What contributes to changes in society? In 1964, Hebert Marcuse published One-Dimensional Man. He argued that advanced industrial societies systematically repressed the capacity to think critically. Among other tactics, they stifled the avant-garde's power of negation. I used his theories to evaluate the role of English theater in the successful campaign to decriminalize homosexuality in England. I focus, in particular, on Joe Orton and his first play Entertaining Mr. Sloane, a farce that incited controversy by putting "perversion" onstage. An examination of the play, of Orton’s intentions, and of its critical reception show his play's successful challenge to social oppression. I examine how Orton managed to maintain art's role of social negation.