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Final Project File English
Final Project File English
1. Deliver a compelling and authentic portrayal of J.B. Priestley's "Mother's Day" through
stellar performances, capturing the essence of the characters and the playwright's intended
themes.
2. Develop a unique interpretation of the play that respects the original text while
introducing creative elements to make the production distinctive.
3. Facilitate in-depth character exploration and development among the cast to ensure each
actor fully understands and embodies their character.
4. Promote a deep understanding of the play's text, themes, and subtext to enhance
interpretative skills.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
This is to certify that [Project Title: "Mother's Day"] has been successfully completed under
the guidance and supervision of Mrs. Sapna Sondi. This project, a theatrical production of
J.B. Priestley's play "Mother's Day," has been a collaborative effort that showcases artistic
excellence, dedication, and teamwork.
Mrs. Sapna Sondi provided invaluable guidance and leadership throughout the project. Her
expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence were instrumental in the successful
realization of the production.
We extend our gratitude to Mrs. Sapna Sondi for her unwavering support, creative insight,
and leadership. The success of this project is a testament to her mentorship and the
collaborative efforts of the entire team.
Assgn. Due
On: On
Resolution: Accommodation,
Compromise, Use of
Technologies such as Google
Meet and Zoom
ACT 1, SCENE 1: The Pearsons’ Sitting Room. Afternoon. Light streams from behind the
half-drawn curtains, giving the room a cozy feel. It is well-furnished and well-decorated, yet
still comfortable. It is clearly a room that has been cared well for. Two women sit across from
each other on well-used armchairs; they look to be extreme opposites.
MRS. PEARSON (sweet, unassuming) looks tired and frankly on the verge of a breakdown.
MRS. FITZGERALD (stern, calculating) by contrast looks quite exasperated and sinister.
MRS. FITZGERALD: And that is all I can say. Where you go from here is entirely up to
you. Truth be told, I think you know what you ought to do.
MRS. PEARSON: So, you’ve said. (She sighs.) I will say, it’s quite exciting to have a real
fortune teller living next door!
MRS. FITZGERALD: But tell me, have you given thought to what I said before?
MRS. PEARSON: I have, but I just can’t bear it. You know how they disrespect me
sometimes, but really, I can’t bear to see them in pain!
MRS. FITZGERALD: You need to put your foot down. You can’t let them walk all over
you. Tell you what, let me do it.
MRS. PEARSON: (Laughing) Yes, that would go over quite well. (Pause) You’re not
serious.
MRS. FITZGERALD: Dead serious. Told ya, Fortune Telling ain’t the only skill I learnt out
East. (Leaning in—)
I can talk to them. As you. There’s this spell— I’ve done it before— an’ we’ll switch bodies,
like that. (She snaps her fingers). I’ll set them straight. No need to ‘bear it’ as you put it. Just
take my hands, and look at me. Don’t think about anything.
{Mrs. Fitzgerald’s outstretched hands as she mutters a chant. The wind blows, the table
shakes, light dims and both go limp in their seats. When they come to}
MRS. PEARSON: The first hour of this never gets better. Now hand me that cigarette will
ya? Now you go to my home, and you stay put. I’ll deal with this.
{Mrs. Pearson ushers Mrs. Fitzgerald out of the house, and prepares}
SCENE 2
DORIS: Mum, can you iron my yellow silk shirt? I am going out with Charlie Spence.
(seeing her smoking) You are smoking?!
MRS. PEARSON: Is there a law that prohibits me from smoking? And that buck-teeth half-
witted fellow? I won't even want to be seen dead with him.
{ Doris discovers that her mother did not make tea for her.}
DORIS: It's not fair that I've worked hard all day and you can't even make me tea.
MRS. PEARSON: Stop talking nonsense. I know how hard you work. I work twice as many
hours a day, even without pay.
CYRIL: Why not? Are you feeling okay, Mom? You seem different.
CYRIL: That's a nice way to talk. What will happen if we all talk like that?
CYRIL: It's probably just the concussion. It'll be interesting to see if she's still the same
when dad gets back.
{ Mrs Pearson’s enters the room with a bottle of Stout and stares at giggling Doris and Cyril.}
MRS. PEARSON: You take me for granted, that I am available for you 24 hours a day. Now
I'll only work 8 hours like you.
DORIS: Mom that means, you won’t work on Saturday & Sundays?
MRS. PEARSON: I might do little cooking and make bed for you as a favour and then
might go out for the weekend.
GEORGE: Oh! I forgot to tell you this morning that I wouldn’t take any tea. I have to go to
the club.
MRS PEARSON: This is ridiculous! Getting annoyed for the thing which you never
wanted. You are planning to go to club where people laugh at you and call you “Pompy-
Ompy Pearson” because they think you are too slow and pompous.
GEORGE: What do you mean, Pompy- Ompy Pearson. No never, Rubbish. Cyril, they don't
laugh at me and call me Pompy- Ompy Pearson do they?
(Knocking at door )
CYRIL- I'll get that. You don't want that silly old bag Mrs. Fitzgerald, do you?
MRS. PEARSON - Don't you dare call her silly, she has way more sense than you'll ever
have. Come in Mrs. Fitzgerald.
CYRIL - no it isn't
MRS. PEARSON - you keep quiet, you silly, spoilt young piecan.
MRS. PEARSON - just putting them in their places that's all. Doing them all a world of food
. And soon they'll be eating out of your hand soon mark my words Mrs Pearson
GEORGE - look were at sixes and sevens here so perhaps you'll excuse us...
MRS. PEARSON - I won't next time a neighbour or friend comes just say something good
and don’t just march in and sit down
GEORGE - that's right make me look silly in front of her. Poor Dorris has been crying her
eyes out . (Angrily at Mrs Pearson) Have you gone barmy or whatt ?
MRS PEARSON- if you shout at me like that again I'll slap your big fat silly face
GEORGE - either im off my chump or you two are . You're telling yourself to stop tell
her .then therbe more sense in it .
MRS PEARSON: Stop that! I would never have my daughter talk to somebody like that.
Now reply to her nicely.
MRS FITZGERALD: That’s enough. Now listen, you two. I want to have a private little
talk with Mrs Fitz — oh! with Mrs Pearson
GEORGE: I’m glad somebody can deal with her cause I can’t. Come on, Doris.
MRS FITZGERALD: Mrs Fitzgerald, we must change back now, we really must. This has
gone far enough. I can see they’re miserable.
MRS FITZGERALD: Yes, I do , please. ‘’They carry out the same action as before,
becoming their proper personalities.’’
MRS FITZGERALD: Now listen Mrs Pearson. Don’t be soft again or our efforts would
have been wasted. MRS PEARSON: I’ll definitely try to.
MRS FITZGERALD: Just give them a look now and again to show that you can be tough
on them if you wanted. What would you like them to do that they usually don’t. Stop at home
for once?
MRS PEARSON: Umm. Well, I would really like a nice game of rummy and help with
supper.
MRS FITZERALD: Then, you just need to be a little firm and they’ll follow your every
command. You can come back now. I will see myself out to let you enjoy yourself.
MRS PEARSON: Seeing that you don’t have any plans to go out, I think we’ll have a nice
family game of rummy and then the children can get the supper ready while I have a talk with
your father. No objections, I hope.
"Mother's Day" explores the intricacies of family relationships, showcasing the challenges
and joys that come with familial bonds.
I gain a nuanced understanding of how different personalities, conflicts, and love intersect
within a family setting.
This fosters empathy and a deeper comprehension of the complexities inherent in family
dynamics.
The play delves into societal expectations and traditional gender roles, particularly in the
context of motherhood.
What I feel is "Mother's Day" serves as a powerful educational tool by offering a window
into the complexities of family life, challenging societal norms, enhancing communication
skills, and prompting reflection on personal growth.