Description
Book SynopsisIrish-language theatre has at times been on the fringes of Ireland's cultural landscape - invisible and underground - but its influence can be seen all over the island of Ireland. An Underground Theatre is the first full-length study of playwrights working in the Irish language in the pivotal 1930-80 period. In this landmark volume Philip O'Leary analyses the works of Mairead Ni Ghrada, Seamus O Neill, Eoghan O Tuairisc, Sean O Tuama, and Criostoir O Floinn and discusses the production history of their plays and the critical reception of first productions and major revivals. O'Leary also outlines the beginnings of drama in Irish in the early twentieth century and provides important historical context. The developments in Irish-language theatre since 1980 are also discussed in this important contribution to Irish theatre studies. Using a wide range of sources, O'Leary gives a thorough evaluation of five of the most significant Irish-language playwrights and charts the monumental influence and reach of their work.
Trade Review''Any of the case studies in the present book would be a substantial work of scholarship in its own right, and their publication together makes for a thought-provoking comparative survey. The author wears his erudition lightly, and his good humor and ability to summarize ideas in clear and often pithy statements make this work accessible for a wide range of readers.' Roísín Ní Chairbhí, Irish Literary Supplement, Spring 2019 ||||| 'Philip O’Leary takes the time and care to bring us deep into the heart of the plays he discusses, honouring their ambitions and achievements while not shrinking from discussing shortcomings. Irish Catholic, 14 Sept 2017
Table of ContentsAbbreviations; Foreword; Introduction. An Underground Theatre; chapter 1: Unlikely Iconoclast. Mairead Ni Ghrada (1896-1971); chapter 2: A Northern Voice. Seamus O Neill (1910-1981); chapter 3: A Theatre of Ideas. Eoghan O Tuairisc (1919-1982); chapter 4: Knocking Down Old Walls. Sean O Tuama (1926-2006); chapter 5: Questions of Conscience. Criostoir O Floinn (b. 1927); Afterword; Select Bibliography; Endnote; Index
