The Plays of Maura Laverty: Liffey Lane, Tolka Row, A Tree in the Crescent

Maura Laverty's plays, Liffey Lane, Tolka Row, and A Tree in the Crescent, are rooted in 1950s Dublin and capture the capital in a state of transformation. They explore themes of home, women's lives, and the impact of conservative government policies and church attitudes. The trilogy is a significant part of the twentieth-century Irish theatrical canon.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

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Published here for the first time, Maura Laverty's plays Liffey Lane, Tolka Row, and A Tree in the Crescent are deeply rooted in the vibrant and bustling city of Dublin during the 1950s. These works are a captivating portrayal of the lives of the impoverished, the ambitious, the trapped, and the struggling, all coexisting within the confines of the city's neighborhoods and enclaves. The plays are filled with humor, vitality, and a keen sense of realism, bringing the characters to life in a truly remarkable way. They capture the essence of Dublin in a state of transformation, striving for modernization while grappling with the enduring legacy of stagnant class divisions, poor housing conditions, and narrow social values. At the heart of all three plays lie profound questions about home, the lives of women and girls, and the profound impact of conservative government policies and church attitudes.

Already a prominent figure in Irish society and a cultural influencer before her time, Laverty's plays achieved immense success when staged by Hilton Edwards of the Gate Theatre Company in 1951 and 1952 at Dublin's Gaiety and Gate Theatres, as well as on a national tour. Laverty's trilogy is a significant and eagerly awaited addition to the rich tapestry of twentieth-century Irish theatrical canon.

This volume presents the complete trilogy, accompanied by a preface by Christopher Fitz-Simon, who had the privilege of knowing and working with Laverty. The editors' introduction provides valuable context for Laverty's work, exploring the theatrical values and themes that permeate her plays. It is a testament to Laverty's enduring legacy and her profound contribution to Irish literature and theater.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802077919