Educating Rita (Student Editions)

Russell, Willy; Beswick, Katie (EDT); Stevens, Jenny (EDT); Megson, Chris (EDT); Nichols, Matthew (EDT)

ISBN 10: 135020093X / ISBN 13: 9781350200937

Published by Methuen Drama, 2023

Seller Inventory # 9781350200937

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. Commentary and notes by Katie Beswick, University of the Arts London.

About the Author: One of the most-produced writers of his time, Willy Russell (b. Whiston, Liverpool, 23 Aug. 1947) is a playwright and songwriter. He has written a large number of highly successful plays and musicals for stage and TV including John, Paul, George, Ringo ... and Bert (1974), Breezeblock Park (1975), One for the Road (1976),Our Day Out (television 1977; stage musical version 1983), Stags and Hens (1978; filmed as Dancin' thru the Dark, 1990), Educating Rita (1979), Blood Brothers(1981; musical version 1983), and Shirley Valentine (1986). His novel, The Wrong Boy, was published to great acclaim in 2000.

Katie Beswick is a writer and works as Programme Director Acting and Performance at University of the Arts, London. She writes about theatre, performance, art, class and culture.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Educating Rita (Student Editions)
Publisher: Methuen Drama
Publication Date: 2023
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: New
Edition: 2nd Edition