Play Details
Context
Artistic Director
William Gaskill, Lindsay Anderson & Anthony Page
Part Of
Sunday Night Productions Without Décor
Dates Performed
Sunday 9th November 1969
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Play Details
Synopsis
Rural Ireland, Autumn 1846 – Spring 1847
Amid fears of another potato crop failure after last year’s disaster, Irish farmers face dire straits as their families starve. With no aid from those in power, forced emigration to Canada is presented as the sole solution. Yet, John Connor stands firm, refusing to abandon his homeland, while Malachy takes drastic action, killing the local justice. As desperation mounts, the community’s bonds are tested, leading to internal strife and betrayal.
Cast & Creative
Cast
Frankie Bennett
Cast
Frederick Bennett
Cast
Constance Chapman
Cast
Warren Clarke
Cast
Donal Cox
Cast
Alan Dobie
Cast
Frank Dunne
Cast
Bernard Gallagher
Cast
Shay Gorman
Cast
Gerald James
Cast
John Keogh
Cast
Robert Lang
Cast
Juliet Lawson-Johnston
Cast
Bert Lena
Cast
John Nightengale
Cast
Allan Olsen
Cast
Sheila Whitmill
Designer
Deirdre Clancy
What our readers say
Famine is a poignant historical drama spotlighting rural Ireland amidst the potato famine. This ensemble piece evocatively portrays a community fractured by desperation and political strife.
What is it like reading this play now? How has it aged? What does it speak to?
This play resonates in today’s climate, shedding light on Britain’s controversial colonial past. Amidst modern economic crises and government disconnect, its themes sharply echo the present. It highlights blame-shifting by those in power and the persistent struggles of today’s farmers, underscoring the cyclical nature of history.
What did is it tell us about the past and present?
Rather depressingly, not much has changed when it comes to the British Government and their attitudes to empire/colonial rule. That farmers have always had it tough and been disrespected.
What plays does it speak to/influence?
Translations by Brian Friel. Belfast Girls by Jaki McCarrrick. The Ferryman by Jez Butterworth.
