Sean O'Casey: A Research and Production Sourcebook

(Hardback)

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Description

Sean O'Casey is recognized as one of the most important Irish playwrights of the 20th century. When he was in his early 20s, he committed himself to the nationalist struggle to free Ireland from English domination. During the Dublin General Strike and Lock-Out of 1913, he came to appreciate the importance of social class, and he rejected Irish nationalism in favour of international socialism. Though "The Shadow of a Gunman" and "Juno and the Paycock" helped save the Abbey Theatre from near bankruptcy, "The Plough and the Stars" drew open criticism in 1926, when nationalists rioted over O'Casey's treatment of the Easter Rebellion. This reference work is a comprehensive guide to O'Casey's plays. The volume begins with an introductory essay that discusses the political themes of his plays, the controversy surrounding his works in Ireland, the response to his plays in England and other countries, and the growth of academic interest in O'Casey in the 1960s. Plot summaries and critical overviews are provided for all of his dramatic works, and production credits are given for major performances of his plays. The volume includes extensive annotated bibliographical information for secondary sources, including reviews.

Reviews

"Schrank's volume is a thorough and welcome addition to O'Casey scholarship.... [The work] begins with a brief chronology and a short essay on O'Casey's life and career. The next section offers a summary and critical overview of each of his plays, followed by a bibliography of primary materials.... The book is logically arranged and scrupulously prepared and researched. Graduate students through faculty."-Choice
Schrank's volume is a thorough and welcome addition to O'Casey scholarship.... [The work] begins with a brief chronology and a short essay on O'Casey's life and career. The next section offers a summary and critical overview of each of his plays, followed by a bibliography of primary materials.... The book is logically arranged and scrupulously prepared and researched. Graduate students through faculty.-Choice

Author Bio

BERNICE SCHRANK is Professor of English at Memorial University of Newfoundland. With William W. Demastes, she is the coeditor of Irish Playwrights, 1880-1995: A Research and Production Sourcebook (Greenwood, 1996).