Drawing on major new archival discoveries and recent research, Patrick
Lonergan presents an innovative account of Irish drama and theatre,
spanning the past seventy years. Rather than offering a linear
narrative, the volume traces key themes to illustrate the relationship
between theatre and changes in society. In considering
internationalization, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the Celtic Tiger
period, feminism, and the changing status of the Catholic Church in
Ireland, Lonergan asserts the power of theatre to act as an agent of
change and uncovers the contribution of individual artists, plays and
productions in challenging societal norms.
Irish Drama and Theatre since 1950 provides a wide-ranging account of
major developments, combined with case studies of the premiere or
revival of major plays, the establishment of new companies and the
influence of international work and artists, including Tennessee
Williams, Chekhov and Brecht. While bringing to the fore some of the
untold stories and overlooked playwrights following the declaration of
the Irish Republic, Lonergan weaves into his account the many Irish
theatre-makers who have achieved international prominence in the period:
Samuel Beckett, Siobhán McKenna and Brendan Behan in the 1950s,
continuing with Brian Friel and Tom Murphy, and concluding with the
playwrights who emerged in the late 1990s, including Martin McDonagh,
Enda Walsh, Conor McPherson, Marie Jones and Marina Carr. The
contribution of major Irish companies to world theatre is also examined,
including both the Abbey and Gate theatres, as well as Druid, Field Day
and Charabanc.
Through its engaging analysis of seventy years of Irish theatre, this
volume charts the acts of gradual but revolutionary change that are the
story of Irish theatre and drama and of its social and cultural
contexts.
