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Educating Rita

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( 5,233 ratings, 270 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Educating Rita by Willy Russell, the story revolves around a young working-class woman named Rita who enrolls in an Open University course to expand her horizons and escape her mundane life. Her journey towards self-discovery and education is guided by Frank, a disillusioned professor with his own set of challenges. Through their interactions, both characters undergo significant personal transformations, exploring themes of personal growth, societal expectations, and the power of education.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you enjoy stories about personal growth and the transformative power of education, this book may appeal to you. It offers a compelling exploration of class and identity through the dynamic relationship between a working-class woman seeking an education and her disillusioned tutor. Its rich dialogue and engaging narrative make it a thought-provoking read for fans of character-driven dramas.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

One way of describing Educating Rita would be to say that it is about the meaning of education. Another would be to say that it is about the meaning of life. A third, that it is a cross between Pygmalion 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.

Series: Student Editions

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Educating Rita is acclaimed for its exploration of themes like education, art, and socio-economic class, resonating as much today as it did in its time. The play's central character, an inquisitive hairdresser, is notably memorable and has earned a lasting place in cultural consciousness. Despite its period-specific setting, the narrative remains pertinent to contemporary discussions about class and society.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350200937

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 June 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Edition: 2nd edition

Contributors:

  • Edited by Dr Katie Beswick

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 114g

Pages: 128

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 academic working at Goldsmiths, University of London. She is interested in arts and culture and their intersections with issues of class.

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