context of gotcha Barrie Keefe

in 1976 barrie keefe wrote the play Gotcha, it reflects the culture and issues of the time. In the late 70s the comprehensive school system was still a new thing and there aims were to replace grammar schools and give people equal opportunities, however it had many problems including the size & the aim wasn't equal to the result. Gotcha highlights these flaws with the kid who is anonymous because of the size of the school.in the late 70s punk rock was very popular and the play possesses the same meaning and purpose as punk music,the need to be loud and aggressive, also the desire to be recognised. when the auditorium opens the Ramones starts to play, this punk song talks about revolution, the song also prepares people for the main concepts of the play. mary whitehouse was a social activist who opposed mainstream british media, including the television release of gotcha which she had banned from reruns. This shows how at the time what was acceptable on television was restricted.the Labour Party were in power at the time and was led by james Callahan, this led to economic collapse.