Irish Politics as Reflected in Modern Drama (Abbey Theatre)

Irish politics, with its rich history of colonization, struggle for independence, and the partition of Ireland, has provided a compelling backdrop for modern drama. Many playwrights explore the impact of these political events on the lives of ordinary people, highlighting themes of identity, nationalism, and power dynamics. Modern Irish drama particularly early ambit of Abbey Theatre, the early political troubles, national identity and socioeconomic inequality took the upperhand. However in later segment, power and corruption, feminism and gender politics, immigration and integration, reconciliation and healing become the core subject.

As we all know, one of the defining political conflicts in Irish history, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, has been a significant source of inspiration for modern drama. Playwrights often delve into the complex relationships between Catholics and Protestants, the violence and social unrest, and the search for reconciliation and peace. Evidently, Irish politics plays a crucial role in shaping and defining Irish national identity, and this theme is frequently explored in modern drama. Playwrights examine the tension between Irish heritage and British influence, the struggle for self-determination, and the ongoing debates surrounding Irishness and what it means to be Irish.

 Irish politics and the policies implemented by British governments have had a profound impact on socioeconomic inequality in the country. Modern drama often delves into the struggles faced by marginalized communities, exploring issues such as poverty, housing crises, and the effects of austerity measures. The exercise of power and its potential for corruption is a recurring theme in Irish politics, and it finds its way into modern drama. Playwrights examine the influence of political figures, the abuse of power, and the consequences of corruption on society and individuals.

 Modern Irish drama also reflects the evolving role of women in Irish society and politics. Playwrights explore themes of gender inequality, reproductive rights, and the fight for gender equality, highlighting the intersection between politics and women's lived experiences. Later, Ireland's emergence as a multicultural society has influenced contemporary political discourse. Modern drama reflects the challenges faced by immigrants, the question of national identity in a diverse society, and the role of politics in shaping attitudes towards immigration and integration.

Now, Abbey Theatre is the most famous of Irish theatres, one of the most famous in the British Isles, if not in Europe. It is repertory-theater Company and the auditorium in which the company performs, is in Dublin, Ireland.  It was the centre of the Irish Dramatic movement founded in 1899 by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory. Originally established to present Irish plays about Irish subjects, the company later expanded its repertory to include classical drama, including that of British playwright William Shakespeare, and contemporary works by dramatists of continental Europe. 

The aim of the Irish Dramatic movement was to present Irish plays on Irish subjects preformed by Irish actors. It is a product of the Irish cultural revival that began late in the 19th century. The revival was initiated largely by the Irish poet and dramatist William Butler Yeats, who urged Irish writers to draw their inspiration directly from Irish life and traditions rather than from English and European sources.

The building itself was the result of a conversion of the old theatre of the Mechanics institute in Abbey Street and the old city morgue next to it. Its creation was made possible through the munificence (and tea) of Annie Horniman (1860-1937), who was later the pioneer of the Manchester School. English theater manager Annie Elizabeth Fredericka Horniman paid for construction of the original Abbey Theatre building. With her financial assistance, the Irish National Theatre Society established in 1904 the repertory company that also became known as the Abbey Theatre. The next eighty-five years was to bring forward plays by almost all Irish dramatists of any note.

Abbey Theatre

Apart from Annie Horniman, Lady Gregory and William Butler Yeats, the main moving spirits of the Abbey were J.M. Synge and the Fay brothers. The first plays presented were On Baile’s Strand and Cathleen Houlihan by Yeats and Spreading the News by Lady Gregory. Later came Synge’s The Play boy of the Western World (1907) which caused riots because Irish morality was offended by a reference in the text to a woman’s shift (i.e. a chemise). The fortunes of the theatre declined somewhat with the removal of Annie Horniman’s financial support. Singe died in 1909 and Yeats resigned as a result of a dispute with Lady Gregory, who was to continue until she retired in 1928. Among distinguished Irish playwrights to have their plays produced at the Abby in its earlier years were Padraic Column(1881-1972), St John Greer Ervine(1883-1971) and Lennox Robinson(1886-1958), who was manager of the Abby from 1910 to 1923(apart from a short break), in which year he became director. After the First World War there were more financial troubles, which were partly relived by there famous plays by Sean O’Casey (1880-1964). These plays treat the Irish war of independence and the Irish economy. The plays referred to deal with the theme of Irish struggle for independence.

Irish politics has been marked by division and conflict, but modern drama also explores the themes of reconciliation and healing. Playwrights delve into the complexities of forgiveness, the process of coming to terms with the past, and the role of politics in fostering understanding and unity. Modern drama is a powerful tool for addressing and commenting on current political issues in Ireland. Playwrights tackle topics such as climate change, housing crises, healthcare, and the impact of globalization, offering insightful perspectives and sparking conversations on pressing political matters.

Ardhendu De

Ref:

1. W. B. Yeats, man and poet : Jeffares, A. Norman : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/wbyeatsmanpoet00jeff    

2. A History Of English Drama 1660 1900 : Allardyce Nicoll : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.58964

3. Bentley, Eric. "Abbey Theatre." Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.