Saturday Night and Sunday Morning by Alan Sillitoe : Resource Material
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning
By Alan Sillitoe
Adapted by Amanda Whittington
[pic]
Harrogate Theatre 22nd February - 8th March 2008
Directed by Joyce Branagh
Resource Material
[pic]
Alan Sillitoe 's ground breaking picture of 1950 's Britain, as seen through the eyes of the unforgettable Arthur Seaton (immortalised on screen by Albert Finney), is now brought raging back to life and bang up-to-date in a fast-moving new stage adaptation.
Classic kitchen sink drama blended with high energy action and a toe-tapping 1950 's fuelled soundtrack makes this at turns funny and heart-rending tale of the life and loves of the original angry young man a must see for three generations.
Contents Page
Brief Synopsis
Historical context
About the author
The adapted text
List of Characters
Principals Analysis
In different media
21st Century references
Synopsis
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning tells the story of Arthur Seaton, a young Nottingham factory worker, who is having an affair with Brenda, the wife of Jack, an older co-worker. He also has a relationship with Doreen, a woman closer to his own age. When Brenda becomes pregnant with Arthur’s child, he goes to his aunt for advice on aborting the child. Jack discovers the affair. His brother and a fellow soldier give Arthur a serious beating. The play ends on an ambiguous note, with a recovered Arthur and Doreen discussing marriage and the prospect of a new home.
Historical context
1958: The European Economic Community (Common Market) starts operation. The birth of Rock and Roll, which resulted in the emergence of clubs. Jerry Lee Lewis’s Great Balls of Fire reaches no 1 in the US charts. Women’s rights were still limited, but this was to change over the coming decade. Marie Stopes, a campaigner for women’s rights, dies, aged 69. The first man-made nuclear fusion was created. The class divide
By Alan Sillitoe
Adapted by Amanda Whittington
[pic]
Harrogate Theatre 22nd February - 8th March 2008
Directed by Joyce Branagh
Resource Material
[pic]
Alan Sillitoe 's ground breaking picture of 1950 's Britain, as seen through the eyes of the unforgettable Arthur Seaton (immortalised on screen by Albert Finney), is now brought raging back to life and bang up-to-date in a fast-moving new stage adaptation.
Classic kitchen sink drama blended with high energy action and a toe-tapping 1950 's fuelled soundtrack makes this at turns funny and heart-rending tale of the life and loves of the original angry young man a must see for three generations.
Contents Page
Brief Synopsis
Historical context
About the author
The adapted text
List of Characters
Principals Analysis
In different media
21st Century references
Synopsis
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning tells the story of Arthur Seaton, a young Nottingham factory worker, who is having an affair with Brenda, the wife of Jack, an older co-worker. He also has a relationship with Doreen, a woman closer to his own age. When Brenda becomes pregnant with Arthur’s child, he goes to his aunt for advice on aborting the child. Jack discovers the affair. His brother and a fellow soldier give Arthur a serious beating. The play ends on an ambiguous note, with a recovered Arthur and Doreen discussing marriage and the prospect of a new home.
Historical context
1958: The European Economic Community (Common Market) starts operation. The birth of Rock and Roll, which resulted in the emergence of clubs. Jerry Lee Lewis’s Great Balls of Fire reaches no 1 in the US charts. Women’s rights were still limited, but this was to change over the coming decade. Marie Stopes, a campaigner for women’s rights, dies, aged 69. The first man-made nuclear fusion was created. The class divide
References: and Themes in the 21st Century Adultery Loyalty Revenge Violence Love/Friendship Deceit Rectification of your Mistakes