عنوان

The internal exile :

TLets393142

The internal exile :

[Thesis]

Kelly, Catherine M.

contemporary Irish playwriting and theatrical production.

University of Exeter

2001

Ph.D.

University of Exeter

2001

In recent years Ireland, North and South, has undergone a period of rapid transition.Social and economic advancements in the South and political developments in theNorth have brought benefits, but have also created for some a sense of confusion anddisorientation. Many have become caught between the residual problems of the pastand the impact of the new. In the ongoing process of redefining boundaries andattempting to build a more inclusive society, it is important to be aware of thedislocation which exists among groups and individuals in the current cultural climate.My experience of these changing times has been, broadly speaking, as a female Catholicfrom a middle-class, nationalist background. It is from this perspective that I haveexplored a variety of political, religious and gender issues, related to the overridingtheme of the internal exile in contemporary Irish theatre. Specific chapters addressparticular concerns.Chapter one provides a historical and cultural context which seeks to place the themewithin the macrocosm of a society undergoing change, in addition to outlining the wayin which it is represented in and affected by contemporary Irish drama.Chapter two is entitled 'States of mind and the lyricism of theatrical conventions'. Itexplores a selection of post-sixties plays and identifies a number of different styles oftheatre which are being practised in Ireland at the present time.Chapter three discusses the politics of spirituality in relation to Brian Friel's Dancing atLughnasa.Chapter four focuses on three plays by Marina Carr and considers the role of women.Chapter five looks at politics and gender in two plays about Oscar Wilde; Saint Oscar byTerry Eagleton and The Secret Fall of Constance Wilde by Thomas Kilroy.Chapter six involves a consideration of the political situation in Northern Ireland inrespect of the peace process and post-cease-fire plays by a number of playwrights such asGary Mitchell, Declan Gorman and Michael Harding.

Kelly, Catherine M.

University of Exeter

p

[Thesis]

276903

a

Y