An Inspector Calls- An investigation into the life of Eva Smith

The students will be met at the Masonic Hall in the museum’s 1900s town.

Here they will be informed that Eva Smith has committed suicide and that they will be tasked with investigating the circumstances that led to her death. Students will split into groups and interview five characters in turn; the foreman at the Birling & Co. Machine Shop, an employee at Milwards dress shop, maid at Morgan Terrace, Publican for The Palace Bar and committee member for Brumley Women’s Charity Organisation. Each character will answer as if they had witnessed the events that the Birling and Croft family members instigated in each location and will quote parts of An Inspector Calls as they discuss what happened with the students.

Students must use careful questioning to create a clear chronological picture of the events that led to Eva Smith’s tragic demise. Once they have questioned all 5 characters they will gather again as a class and discuss who bares responsibility for Eva’s death.

The activity aims to make students:

• aware of the attitudes and prejudices of the time towards working classes, females and relationships.
• understand the chronology of the events of the 2 years prior to setting of the play.
• more familiar with the theme of social responsibility.

Season: Year round but most appropriate leading up to Christmas

To book and to find out more: email bookings@beamish.org.uk or phone 0191 370 4026.

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