Strife

Subject: Drama
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 14 - 16
Order Number: 5206

Studying An Inspector Calls? Then you need this complete play - Strife and An Inspector Calls match like a hand in a glove. Strife is set in 1909 and An Inspector Calls is set in 1912. Both plays are about the problems the rich have understanding the poor. Unions are of importance, a poor female dies, 'good' young rich people try to help and obstinacy is the order of the day. The characters of one play could easily slip into the other!

This play is ideal for performance, not least because it enriches student knowledge of the issues surrounding the ever popular An Inspector Calls. Alternatively, Strife could be read in Year 9 (perhaps after SATs) to introduce students to issues which will be explored at GCSE. There are some marvellous monologues suitable for Drama students of all years. For those students going on to study English Literature at A level, Strife and An Inspector Calls provide an early experience where similar texts can be studied.

Strife explores many 'citizenship' issues including human rights, community-based voluntary groups, conflict resolution, the media, how the economy functions (especially the role of business!), the opportunities for the individual to bring about social change locally and the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers.

It's worth noting that NO further performance rights are required. Put this play on as the 'school play' and make it compulsory for GCSE students to attend!