Educating Rita
(Autor) Willy Russell'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. It also includes a comparison of the Ritas created by a variety of performers such as Julie Walters, Clare Sweeney, Leanne Best, Laura dos Santos and Lashana Lynch. 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.
Willy Russell
Willy Russell is a renowned British playwright, author, and composer known for his works that often explore social issues and class struggles. Some of his most notable works include "Educating Rita," a play that delves into the transformative power of education, and "Blood Brothers," a musical that examines the impact of social inequality on two brothers. Russell's writing style is characterized by its wit, humor, and poignant observations on the human condition.
Russell's contributions to literature have had a significant impact on the genre of modern British drama, with his works being widely performed and studied in schools and theaters around the world. His most famous work, "Educating Rita," has been adapted into a successful film and continues to be celebrated for its insightful exploration of personal growth and self-discovery. Overall, Willy Russell's body of work continues to resonate with audiences for its compelling storytelling and powerful themes.