Raging: Three Plays/Seven Year of Warfare in Ireland (NHB Modern Plays)

Wild Sky, Embargo, and Outrage are a trilogy of plays that commemorate seven years of warfare in Ireland, from the 1916 Easter Rising to the Civil War. They challenge the historical narrative by mixing true-life testimonies with powerful drama to create a theatrical hurricane of empathy, action, and truth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Wild Sky is a captivating trilogy of landmark plays that commemorate seven years of warfare in Ireland, from the 1916 Easter Rising to the Civil War that began in 1922. This powerful theatrical journey explores the intricate web of lives intertwined by Josie Dunne, a politicized figure, and Tom Farrell, whose love for her drives him forward. As the Rising unfolds, unforeseen consequences ripple through the lives of everyone involved, shaping their destinies in profound ways.

Embargo, the second play in the trilogy, takes us to a pivotal moment during the Irish War of Independence in 1920. In this gripping drama, dockers and railmen refuse to transport armed troops or handle weapons arriving from Britain, defying the British government's attempts to suppress the independence movement. The play delves into the moral dilemmas and sacrifices made by these workers as they stand up for their beliefs and the future of their country.

Outrage, the final play in the trilogy, follows the lives of two sisters, Alice and Nell, who play pivotal roles in organizing civic resistance and the propaganda war. As Ireland descends into the chaos of the Civil War, Alice and Nell become deeply conflicted, torn between their loyalty to their country and their personal desires. The play explores the complex dynamics of family, loyalty, and sacrifice in a time of great turmoil.

These three plays, commissioned and performed by various companies including Fishamble: The New Play Company, Meath County Council Arts Office, Dublin Port Company, and Iarnród Éireann, were first presented a century after the events they depict. Together, they challenge the historical narrative, blending true-life testimonies with powerful drama to create a theatrical hurricane of empathy, action, and truth.

Through its powerful storytelling and immersive performances, Wild Sky invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of history, the human cost of conflict, and the resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a testament to the power of theatre to inspire, educate, and ignite change, reminding us of the importance of understanding and commemorating our shared past.

Weight: 155g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839040863