Our Country’s Good: A Complete Play Guide for A Level Drama

Set text on:
  • AQA (A Level)

Based on the novel The Playmaker by Thomas Keneally, Our Country’s Good charts the exploits of the first group of convicts that set sail for Botany Bay and highlights the struggle that a group of convicts and one officer faced to perform Australia’s first theatrical production. In doing so, it provides an examination of the importance of the arts, the nature of creativity and the human condition.

With in-depth analysis of key dramatic and theatrical aspects, and a wealth of engaging practical and non-practical activities, this guide will help your students become insightful interpreters of this fascinating play and be equipped to handle the exam questions with confidence.

  • Introductory notes and exploratory activities ensure full understanding of the social, historical, cultural, textual and theatrical contexts
  • Scene-by-scene walk-through includes detailed analysis of the relevant performance aspects, with plenty of opportunity for practical investigation and independent study
  • Production concepts and performance strategies cover character, design, staging, practitioners and more

  • With key terms glossary – perfect for revision!

Specifically geared towards the AS and A Level text-based question, this comprehensive pack is your one-stop shop!

What do teachers say about this resource? (11741)

Brilliant... Well worth the cost.

B Oxlee, Teacher & Customer

Excellent. Very well presented and showed clear links to the syllabus... It was student friendly and had excellent written exercises which linked to the practical... It saves a lot of work!

L Sunners, Drama Teacher & Customer (Previous Edition)

I enjoyed this - it is meaty and contains a useful and relevant amount of contextual information to support an introduction to the text... Very useful to have information about original performance of the play and also some ref to Max Stafford Clark and the Royal Court... A really useful practical walk-through of the play with lots of approachable exercises for students to explore.

A Wallace, Head of Drama & Peer Reviewer

The ideas were original and useful... enhances learning by providing depth to scenes, good examples and useful frameworks... Matched the syllabus effectively.

S Coyle, Head of Drama & Customer (Previous Edition)

A good resource, especially for teachers who are new to teaching A Level or who are unfamiliar with the text... I like the meticulous research and the illustrations. I found the connections that were made between the text and the original rehearsal techniques particularly useful... The way that the resource goes through each scene in detail and considers the implications of that scene for performance is of great value. The supportive information about period and previous productions is also of value.

A Warren, Teacher of Drama & Peer Reviewer