The role of the theatre of the Irish literary revival in the politics of identity is a question central not only to the study of Irish theatre and Irish cultural nationalism, but to the broader dynamics of cultural politics at the beginning of the 20th century. This book pursues the complex relationship through a panoramic study of Irish drama and the nationalist debate 1890-1916. It demonstrates that close scrutiny of precise contexts are required if the importance of theatrical text and events are to be thoroughly evaluated. Extending the range of material examined beyond canonical works, an ... More

The role of the theatre of the Irish literary revival in the politics of identity is a question central not only to the study of Irish theatre and Irish cultural nationalism, but to the broader dynamics of cultural politics at the beginning of the 20th century. This book pursues the complex relationship through a panoramic study of Irish drama and the nationalist debate 1890-1916. It demonstrates that close scrutiny of precise contexts are required if the importance of theatrical text and events are to be thoroughly evaluated. Extending the range of material examined beyond canonical works, and beyond Dublin to the influence of Cork and Ulster, it tackles many neglected and forgotten works which through reconsideration of their reception are given new force. The lesser lights of the Irish revival are also seen to illuminate anew writers such as W. B. Yeats, Lady Gregory, and J. M. Synge. The evolution of cultural and political nationalist groups such as Irish Ireland, the Gaelic League, and Sinn Fein is similarly examined to reveal a shifting terrain of nationalist opinion disturbed by issues of class, gender, and generation. This book concludes that Ireland's theatre had a pivotal role to play in the controversies of its time and in the coming revolution.