"Educating Rita" is a play written by Willy Russell in 1980. The story follows the relationship between a 26-year-old working-class hairdresser named Rita and her university tutor, Frank, a middle-aged and disillusioned English professor.
At the beginning of the play, Rita is eager to escape her mundane life and seek knowledge and culture. She enrolls in an Open University course and is assigned to Frank as her tutor. Despite their differences in age, class, and education, the two form a close bond as they discuss literature and philosophy.
As Rita's knowledge and confidence grow, she begins to challenge Frank's views and beliefs, causing him to reevaluate his own life and choices. While Frank initially resists change, he eventually comes to respect and admire Rita's determination and ambition.
Throughout the play, the characters' relationship evolves as they learn and grow from each other. Frank becomes more open-minded and self-aware, while Rita discovers the limitations of education and the complexities of the world.
Despite their differences, Frank and Rita's relationship is one of mutual respect and understanding. As Rita gains her degree and begins to find her place in the world, she and Frank must confront the fact that their time together is coming to an end.
"Educating Rita" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the power of education and the bonds that can form between people from different walks of life. It is a story about self-discovery and the importance of staying true to oneself.