VCE English/EAL
Unit 4: Reading & comparing texts
Pair 5: The Crucible by Arthur Miller and The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham

Scenes and extracts from The Crucible & The Dressmaker are integrated into performance and presented in a style that enables students to make clear thematic comparisons and contrasts between the two texts.

Set against the Salem witch trials of 1692, The Crucible recreates the terrifying reality of a village in Massachusetts where a group of young girls, accused of witchcraft, attempt to escape retribution by pointing the finger at others. We follow the flawed but ultimately heroic response of the protagonist, John Proctor. His battle with Puritan authorities, jealous neighbours and those bent on personal revenge, suggests that love, integrity and dignity can prevail.

Our team of five performers facilitate a comprehensive analysis with Rosalie Ham’s novel set in the fictional Victorian wheatbelt town of Dungatar in the 1950’s. Tilly Dunnage returns from Europe to care for her sick mother. As the small town rumour mill springs into action she quickly becomes revered for her dressmaking skills and the desire to be dressed in Tilly’s haute-couture designs must be balanced against the townsfolk’s enthusiastic and spiteful marginalisation of the Dunnage women. What ensues is the unravelling of past grievances, a tragic love story and dramatic revenge against small-minded bigotry.

The performance explores authorial context and perspective, and key ideas such as how fear and prejudice can divide and reshape communities, the power of class, control and its effects on the marginalised as well as the nature of heroism and resilience.

This show is available online only.

What can you expect?
• High-quality, professional performance to be streamed online.
• Post show discussion and analysis with the actors and director, Andrew Blackman.
• Comprehensive Teacher's Notes accompany the show.
• Easy access to the recordings is granted for a full term so you can view the performance, to suit your classroom. The virtual platform allows you to pause, discuss and rewatch as required.

BOOKINGS
To make a booking or enquiry, simply press the GREEN Enquiry/Booking Request Button above right to directly contact the booking team. They will answer you promptly to discuss your booking including when payment will be required.

Shows for Schools not only gathers all the great available shows, it also makes booking easier!