The Plough and the Stars

Synopsis

This four act play set in war-torn Dublin in 1916 portrays the needs and aspirations of a group of neighbours in a timeless story containing elements of both tragedy and humour. The characters are both loveable and at times, irritating. Uncle Peter, who appears resolutely stuck in the past and at war with himself and those around him, sees Covey, a young man seeking to move forward, as his tormentor. Nora a young wife desperately tries to persuade her husband not to go to war, while Fluther Good weaves a seam of goodness throughout the play. People of different religious persuasions rub shoulders, and loyalties are frequently stretched as the story moves towards an ending full of pathos: prejudices are never far away in this tight knit community.

Our Review:

Anne Morley-Priestman - 2 October 2012

“Patriotism is not enough” mused Edith Cavell in 1915. “Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel” growsed Samuel Johnson in 1775. [Sean O’Casey]’s 1926 play The Plough and the Stars is set in the six-month period between November 1915 and Easter 1916 and, notoriously, it takes an even-handed attitude to patriotism.

This new production by Dublin’s Abbey Theatre is staged by Wayne Jordan with something of Brecht’s famous alienation or distancing technique. This is abetted by Tom Piper’s set design of drapes and scaffolding as well as the drab greys and olive green in which [Joan O’Clary] has costumed her cast. This is in one sense an epic play. It is also a very human tragedy with real people who are much more than just types.

Kelly Campbell as the young wife Nora who so desperately wants to escape a tenement existence with her husband gives a performance which is beautifully graduated fr...

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Latest User Review

jillian hart - 9 October 2012:

It was beautifully produced and acted - I had never seen it before but found it very moving....

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