The Groningen University Theatre Society Archives

2000-2001

Dancing at Lughnasa the memory of an atmosphere

PLAY: Dancing at Lughnasa
WRITTEN BY: Brian Friel
ABSTRACT OF THE PLAY: Like so many of Friel's plays, Dancing at Lughnasa is a memory play. It presents the audience with a view of the past, imaginary or eal, remembered or idealised. It is Brian Friel's tender tribute to the Irish people in the nineteen-thirties and to his five spinster aunts in particular. Against the backdrop of Ireland's recent independence from the United Kingdom, the play shows the five Mundy sisters and their struggle for survival in an oppressive Catholic climate, where the women are barely able to express their emotions and sexuality. The play is narrated by Michael, Christina Mundy's illegitimate child. The shame this 'love child' brought on the family is compensated by Father Jack, the Mundy brother, who worked in Africa as a leper priest. Lughnasa is the August Harvest festival, which may bring some joy to the house, particularly as Gerry Evans, Michael's father, returns for a visit. But looming unemployment and Father Jack's curious ideas of religion cast a shadow over the house. Religion and superstition, Christianity and pagan rites are painfully confronted, and the similarities turn out to be bigger than the differences. In this play, Friel offers a mirror to the audience, to invite and enable us to regard and examine our own beliefs and actions.
DIRECTOR(S): Hans Jansen
PRODUCERS:

ON THE MUSIC: The actual "Dancing at Lughnasa"-Irish music was performed by the group Mitrick, who also performed during the break at the first three performances in April. The set used was Cooley's Reel(trad.)/Maid Behind The Bar (trad.). The rest of the music used were actual 1930s' recordings:
GUTS LETTERS: