Come Here To Me!

F. J McCormick in The Plough and the Stars as Captain Brennan.

The above image is taken from page 184 of the Capuchin Annual 1948.

The Plough and the Stars returns to The Abbey this summer, hopefully for a far less dramatic run than that of 1926, when the play inspired people to riot. “The Ireland that remembers with tear-dimmed eyes all that Easter Week stands for, will not, and cannot, be silent in face of such a challenge”, said Hanna Sheehy Skeffington, the feminist and social activist.

Sean O’ Casey remarked in the preface to his work on the Irish Citizen Army, The Story Of The Irish Citizen Army, that “It appears certain that Nationalism has gained a great deal and lost a little by its union with Labour in the Insurrection of Easter Week, and that Labour has lost much and achieved something by its avowal of the National aspirations of the Irish Nation.” This feeling is evident in this play, and the work is as tragic as it is funny.

The play is one that can spark debate in a way few others can. It’s run at the Abbey this summer is something I’ve been excited about for some time now. To coincide with the run, The Abbey are hosting a number of Talks and Workshops on the play.

Thursday 29 July, 6pm
Shivaun O’ Casey

Distinguished theatre director Shivaun O’ Casey discusses her father’s work.
Tickets: €3

Tuesday 7 September, 6pm
Keepers Of The Flame

Join us as we trace the political and performance history of The Plough and the Stars at the Abbey Theatre.
Tickets: €3

Saturday 4 September 10am
Talking Text

Voice Director Andrea Ainsworth leads a voice workshop using text from The Plough and the Stars
Tickets: €40 (Includes a light lunch and a ticket to the matinee showing)