8 Commonalities in QCAA Literature Plays

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has curated a compelling selection of texts for Literature students that span continents, centuries, and cultures. This collection of plays, chosen for their rich thematic content, literary merit, and capacity to engage and challenge students, serves as a foundation for exploring the vast landscape of human experience and expression.

Together they encompass a wide range of themes, styles, and historical contexts, yet they share several commonalities that make them stand out in the world of drama and theatre. Here are the key commonalities:

1. Exploration of Human Conditions and Emotions: Each play delves deeply into complex human emotions, conditions, and moral dilemmas. Whether it’s the existential angst in “Uncle Vanya,” the quest for identity in “A Doll’s House,” or the exploration of grief in “By the Bog of Cats,” these plays all probe into the depths of what it means to be human.
2. Social and Political Commentary: Many of these works provide commentary on the social and political issues of their time (and of timeless relevance). For instance, “A Taste of Honey” explores class, race, and sexual orientation in 1950s England, while “Black is the New White” humorously confronts contemporary racial dynamics in Australia.
3. Innovative Use of Structure and Language: From the nonlinear narrative of “Constellations” to the poetic intensity of “The Tempest,” these plays are notable for their creative use of language and structure. They push the boundaries of theatrical form to enhance their storytelling impact.
4. Significant Impact on Theatre and Culture: Each play has made a significant impact on theatre, influencing both contemporaries and future generations of playwrights and audiences. Works like “Death and the Maiden” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” have sparked discussions and reflections on their respective themes, contributing to societal debates.
5. Critical Acclaim and Enduring Popularity: Many of these plays have received critical acclaim upon their release and have continued to be popular choices for production, study, and adaptation. Their themes’ universality and the strength of their characterizations ensure their enduring appeal.
6. Diversity of Cultural Perspectives: This list represents a wide range of cultural perspectives, from the Indigenous Australian viewpoints in “City of Gold” and “Black Medea” to the scientific historical drama of “Photograph 51.” This diversity enriches the global theatre landscape, offering audiences a variety of lenses through which to view the world.
7. Exploration of Identity and Belonging: A recurring theme across these works is the exploration of identity and the search for a sense of belonging. Whether it’s through the lens of race, gender, family, or societal role, these plays challenge and investigate the constructs that define us.
8. Moral and Ethical Questions: Plays like “A Man for All Seasons” and “Terror” place characters in situations where they must navigate complex moral and ethical dilemmas, often forcing audiences to confront their own values and beliefs.

In summary, while these plays span different genres and historical periods, their commonalities lie in their exploration of deep and enduring human themes, innovative storytelling techniques, significant cultural impact, and their roles as mediums for social, political, and ethical discourse.