From the Publisher
"Barry Houlihan’s Theatre and Archival Memory: Irish Drama and Marginalised Histories, 1951-1977 is rich in new archival information relating to a fascinating period of Irish cultural and social history. Written by a professional archivist, this book comprises an indispensable resource for Irish theatre scholars as well as scholars of late 20th century Irish cultural history.”
—Lionel Pilkington, Professor, Department of English, NUI, Galway
"Breathtaking in its precision and originality, Barry Houlihan's monograph offers a dynamic engagement with the archive which expands the canon of Modern Irish Drama as we know it. This study offers a living-history which moves beyond textual analysis to release the sensory power of live performances, events and places. Productions and key figures are brought to glorious life through Houlihan's unrivalled range of source materials, interviews, artefacts and ephemera which illuminate previously unknown histories of gender, class andsocial conditions in Twentieth Century Irish Theatre."
—Melissa Sihra, Head of Drama and Associate Professor, Trinity College Dublin
“This timely book is an invigorating call to (re)witness Irish theatre history; Theatre and Archival Memory; Irish Drama and Marginalised Histories 1951-1977 compellingly articulates a history of theatre-going in modernising Ireland, thus creating a revelatory portrait of a State and theatre in transition. Houlihan’s thoughtful and forensic scholarship into the material and archival history of Irish theatre and society uncovers a trove of neglected plays and playwrights. This book challenges outdated views on the history of Irish theatre by expanding and enriching our understanding of the artists, institutions and societal forces that shaped Irish theatre practice. An invaluable and illuminating resource for all scholars, historians and practitioners of Irish theatre.”
—Tanya Dean, Programme Chair: BA in Drama (Performance), Technological University Dublin
“Barry Houlihan’s Theatre and Archival Memory analyses a pivotal but under-explored period in Irish theatre history – showing us an Ireland that was beginning to embrace globalization, liberalism and industrialisation, but which was also inexorably heading towards the tragedy of the Troubles. This book explains how the Irish theatre both encouraged and analysed those societal changes, focussing on major dramatists from Brendan Behan to Brian Friel to Edna O’Brien, as well as writers who have been unjustly neglected. It also dedicates much-needed attention to Ireland’s other theatre-makers: its directors and actors, its designers and producers, and perhaps most importantly its audiences. Using a staggering array of archival sources – many of which havenever before been written about – this book will have a transformative impact on Irish theatre history and historiography.”
—Patrick Lonergan, MRIA, Professor of Drama and Theatre Studies, NUI Galway