Oil (2016)
Oil (2016) by British playwright Ella Hickson is an ambitious and epic exploration
of the history and future of oil as a resource, examining its transformative impact
on society, politics, and personal lives. Spanning more than 150 years, from the
19th century to a speculative future in the 21st century, the play follows the
experiences of one woman, May, and her daughter Amy, as they navigate a world
shaped by the rise and eventual decline of oil. Through its sweeping narrative, Oil
offers a critical perspective on humanity’s dependence on fossil fuels, raising
profound questions about power, progress, and environmental responsibility.
Key Themes and Analysis
One of the central themes of Oil is the notion of power—both the literal power that
oil provides as an energy source and the social and political power wielded by
those who control it. The play traces how oil has fueled the expansion of empires,
driven economic growth, and reinforced global inequalities. Through May’s
journey, Hickson explores how individual lives are entangled with the larger forces
of capitalism and industrialization, showing how personal agency is often
constrained by the dominant energy system of the time.
Another significant theme in the play is the cost of progress. Each era depicted in
Oil reflects the shifting relationship between society and energy, from the initial
euphoria over the discovery of oil to the eventual environmental and ethical
consequences of its exploitation. Hickson presents this arc as a cautionary tale
about humanity’s relentless pursuit of progress at the expense of ecological and
social well-being. The character of May embodies this theme, as she continually
adapts to changing circumstances but also faces moral dilemmas tied to her
reliance on oil.
The play also addresses the theme of legacy and intergenerational responsibility.
May’s relationship with her daughter, Amy, is central to the narrative, symbolizing
the way each generation inherits the consequences of the previous one’s actions.
Amy represents the future and embodies the hope for a shift away from fossil fuel
dependence, challenging May to reconsider the choices she has made within an oil-
driven society. This mother-daughter dynamic allows Hickson to personalize the
abstract issue of climate change, making the play's message both intimate and
universally relevant.
Stylistic and Structural Elements
Oil is structured in five distinct acts, each set in a different time period and
location, ranging from 1889 Cornwall, where oil lamps first begin to replace
candles, to a futuristic Middle Eastern desert where oil reserves have been
depleted. This episodic structure gives the play a sense of epic scope, allowing
Hickson to examine the historical trajectory of oil and its global impact across
cultures and epochs. The rapid shifts between eras also reinforce the theme of
change, emphasizing how oil has both enabled and demanded relentless adaptation
from individuals and societies alike.
Stylistically, Hickson blends realism with speculative fiction, particularly in the
later scenes set in a dystopian future. The play’s language and visual elements shift
to reflect each era, with historical details giving way to increasingly stark and
minimalist settings as the narrative approaches a future in which the world must
reckon with the end of the oil age. This progression from lush, period-specific
detail to the starkness of a post-oil landscape underscores the play's message about
the finite nature of fossil fuels and the urgency of finding sustainable alternatives.
Reception and Impact
When Oil premiered at the Almeida Theatre in London in 2016, it was met with
critical acclaim for its ambition, originality, and relevance to contemporary debates
about energy, sustainability, and climate change. The play’s bold scope and rich
thematic layers impressed audiences and critics, who praised Hickson’s ability to
address complex issues through the lens of personal and family dynamics. The
character of May, in particular, was celebrated for her resilience and moral
complexity, making her a compelling guide through the turbulent history of oil.
Oil is often discussed as part of the emerging genre of eco-theater, which uses the
stage to engage with environmental issues. By focusing on oil as both a resource
and a symbol, Hickson draws attention to humanity’s dependence on fossil fuels
and the existential risks associated with continuing down this path. The play has
sparked conversations about energy policy, climate activism, and the need for
systemic change, resonating with audiences who are increasingly aware of the
climate crisis.
Conclusion
Ella Hickson’s Oil is a profound and far-reaching exploration of one of the most
critical resources in modern history. Through its multi-generational narrative, the
play interrogates the costs of an oil-dependent society, the human drive for
progress, and the moral responsibility we bear toward future generations. Oil is
both a reflection on the past and a warning about the future, urging audiences to
question the sustainability of the systems that shape our lives. As a piece of eco-
theater, it stands as a significant work in contemporary drama, challenging us to
reconsider our relationship with energy, the environment, and each other.
