Description
Book Synopsis''One way of describing Educating Rita would be to say that it was about the meaning of education ... Another would be to say that it was about the meaning of life. A third, that it is a cross between Pygmailion and Lucky Jim. A fourth, that it is simply a marvellous play, painfully funny and passionately serious; a hilarious social documentary; a fairy-tale with a quizzical, half-happy ending.'' Sunday Times
This new student edition includes an introduction covering the play''s context; chronology; dramatic devices; critical reception; production history; and key themes such as class and identity, popular culture and education.
Educating Rita portrays a working-class Liverpool woman''s hunger for education. It premiered at the RSC Warehouse, London, in 1980 and won the SWET award for Best Comedy of the Year. It was subsequently made into a highly successful film with Michael Caine and Julie Walters and won the 1983 BAFTA award for Best Film.
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Trade Review
Russell's deft two-hander has as much to say about education, art and power as it does about class. * Shona Craven, Herald, 16.2.09 *
Willy Russell's intellectually insatiable hairdresser is one of those rare comic creations who have become lodged in the collective consciousness. * Guardian *
Willy Russell's 1979 two-hander emerges evergreen: of its time, but relevant to an income-bracketed Britain where accents still speak volumes. * Sunday Times *
Table of Contents
Chronology Context: Liverpool in 1980s Willy Russell and the Everyman Themes: Being trapped and breaking free Class and identity Popular culture v high art Education and knowledge Dramatic Devices: Language and voice Structure Setting Production History: Casting Rita Film Critical Reception Academic Debate Comparative Literature Further Study EDUCATING RITA Notes References
