England's Ireland

Synopsis

A fragmented landscape of British and Irish locales, shifting through time and space, where the weight of history hangs heavy in the air.

Portable Theatre, a company known for its politically engaged and experimental work, presents a kaleidoscopic view of the British-Irish conflict through a series of vignettes. The play, collaboratively written by Tony Bicat, Howard Brenton, Brian Clark, David Edgar, Francis Fuchs, and Snoo Wilson, offers no single protagonist but rather a collective voice critiquing the complex and often brutal relationship between England and Ireland.

England’s Ireland is a searing examination of colonialism, cultural imperialism, and the violent conflicts arising from deep-rooted divisions. Employing a battery of theatrical styles – from documentary to song to comedy routines – the playwrights paint an uncompromising picture of the Irish “troubles”. The episodic structure allows for a multi-faceted exploration of historical and contemporary issues, challenging the audience’s perceptions and the British establishment’s attitudes towards Ireland. Brenton’s admission of his own limitations as “an English writer… completely incapable of writing about Ireland” underscores the play’s commitment to a collective approach in tackling such a complex subject. Through satire, drama, and historical analysis, England’s Ireland embodies the radical political theatre of the 1970s, aiming not just to provoke thought but to inspire action among its viewers.