PLAYLOVERS’ latest production – opening July 10 – is a foray into the world of British schoolboys as they pursue s e x, sport and a place at university.
Written by Alan Bennett and directed by Bev Jackson-Hooper, The History Boys is set in the 1980s and tells the story of a maverick English teacher and a young, shrewd supply teacher as they battle to get the boys into Oxford and Cambridge Universities, despite opposing viewpoints on education.
The play has been internationally-recognised, scoring a 2006 Tony Award for Best Play and the 2006 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Best Play Award, for raising questions about history and how it’s taught and the purpose of education.
Jackson-Hooper said she originally saw the film version of The History Boys and enjoyed it but was a little hesitant when Playlovers asked her to direct it for stage.
“A script was hard to find but I eventually found one in a bookstore in Oxford, which was ironic in itself,” she said. “Having been a history head teacher, the whole concept of the Oxbridge exams fascinated me, as did the philosophical discussions on teaching and the place of history.
“There are some beautiful characters in the play and it blew me away – the characterisation, the literature references, the conflict and the arguments.”
Since arriving in Perth in 2000, Jackson-Hooper has directed several productions, including Falling From Grace at the Old Mill Theatre and Small Poppies and The Donahue Sisters for Playlovers.
The History Boy plays at 8pm July 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 and 7pm, July 19, at Hackett Hall on Draper Street (off Underwood Avenue), Floreat. The play contains adult themes.
Tickets are $17, $15 concession. Book through BOCS on 9484 1133 or through Playlovers on 0415 777 173.
