Blood Brothers Essay

Dear Headteacher and Governors, I am writing in response to the governor’s decision to stop the production of Blood Brothers by Willy Russell. I understand the reasons for this, but I wish to demonstrate how certain themes are an integral part of the play, and that it is not unreasonable for it to be performed by students. One of the biggest issues is the use of swearing in the play. Willy Russell uses the bad language to emphasise the difference between the classes. This is shown when Micky and Eddie first meet and Micky says that he is â€Å"Pissed off. † Edwards’s reaction to this is â€Å"Pissed off? You say smashing things don’t you. † This shows that Eddie doesn’t understand Micky as he thinks he is â€Å"Smashing† Micky on the other hand is using the swearing to express his emotions in the best way he knows. Also, the fact that he has been brought up with so many brothers and sisters who swear makes it second or even first nature for him to swear. There is also the point that Eddie uses bad language in the wrong context. This is demonstrated when he calls his mother a â€Å"Fuck Off† this not only shows the audience that he doesn’t understand how to swear, but it also hint as the fact that Eddie is actually a Johnstone and is showing his true nature. This would play on Mrs Lyons’s mind, as this is the one thing she fears most and has spent many years trying to avoid. Bad language also gives the play a sense of comedy. This is shown when Edward tells his teacher to†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ take a flying fuck at a rolling doughnut. † This inevitably makes the audience laugh, as this is only the second time they hear him swear and the first time he uses it in the right context. It also leads to him being suspended, which reveals another similarity between him and Micky. A second point that someone may uses to discredit the play is the part when Micky and Eddie go to watch â€Å"Adult Films† this again is an integral part of the play as it shows the growing up and becoming teenagers. This is proven when Edward says â€Å"Listen, we can see how it is done; look the Essolado for one week only, Nymphomaniac Nights and Swedish Au Pairs. † This shows that the pair are eager to learn about subjects that they are interested in, and demonstrates them growing up. Also the names like â€Å"Nymphomaniac Nights† and â€Å"Swedish Au Pairs. † Are subtle and could be much more graphic in there description, and whilst performing the play we don’t actually have to show the film, as we can just simulate it. Two teenagers going to watch an erotic film will almost certainly lead to them discussing it in detail to each other, including them making references to the female body. This once again shows them growing up, but also demonstrates the differences caused by the upbringing. This is shown when Micky stops to talk to Linda, where as Eddie jus continues his chat of â€Å"Tits, Tits, Tits,† whilst oblivious to anything else. This shows that although having enjoyed the film Micky is un-phased and continues to act normally shortly after watching it. Eddie however is constantly going on about the film for quite a while after, showing that he has had a more sheltered upbringing. There are many other themes in the play that can be used against it, but these are far weaker in there argument. One of these is the presence on guns and violence in the play. Children today are exposed to violence from a very young age and guns are just a part of that. Also children play with guns from a young age to, and there fore have become desensitised to the violence. The theme of romance and relationships is relevant to the age group that will be performing the play, and also has the sub-theme of childhood sweethearts. Also the Edward/Linda relationship is realistic and does happen in the real world. Tragedy also plays a big part as the whole play is structured towards it. However as the audience see a small clip at the beginning that shows the end, it doesn’t comes as a surprise. Tragedy is a common ending to many stories. Mrs Johnstone makes a big deal about superstitions in the play, and they set up the ending. This demonstrates a contrast to Mrs Lyons as she thinks that superstitions are stupid and pointless. However the biggest theme in the play is class differences. This is in effect the whole play and shows how children are aware of it at a very young age, but it only really affects them as they get older. I hope I have portrayed my opinion of the play and the decision to stop the production of it.