When punishment becomes a crime...
After dedicating 45 years to teaching, Edward and his wife plan to celebrate his retirement. But the revelation that he once punished misbehaving pupils with the cane (despite it being legal at the time) has led to angry recriminations, not least from his estranged daughter who arrives just as his house is being besieged by demonstrating pupils.
'The Cane’ explores the fractured family dynamic in parallel with dramatic changes in Britain’s education system. Generational differences are heightened by their attitudes towards education, authority and corporal punishment. This viciously intelligent play is full of revelatory secrets and asks when understanding the past becomes excusing the past.
‘The Cane’ will be performed at The Questors Theatre from the 16th to the 23rd November 2024. Tickets available at www.questors.org.uk/cane.