Borrisokane Players take to the stage
‘The Country Boy’ by John Murphy is an Irish classic comedy/drama. First performed on the Abbey stage in 1959 where it ran for over 100 performances. Since then it has become a staple for drama groups throughout the country.
Emigration has always been a feature of Irish life, particularly in rural Ireland. As a returned emigrant from the US himself John Murphy had the perfect insight to centre the theme of his work on “ the American dream”.
Set in a small farm in Mayo, we are introduced to the Maher family awaiting the imminent arrival of the eldest of two sons and his American wife from New York. Eddie has not been home since he left 15 years ago so excitement abounds in the house to see him again and meet his Yank wife Julia for the first time. What will she be like? His father Tom is certain that she’ll be a sensible woman as steady and hardworking Eddie would only pick a suitable wife!
We discover there is another reason for Eddie and Julia’s vacation! His younger brother Curly is joining them on the return journey. Twenty-five-year-old Curly, feeling penniless and powerless working on a farm with his conservative and stubborn father feels compelled to leave and share “the dream” like his brother. Does he really want to go? His father maintains he has no need and his heartbroken mother Mary Kate says “he doesn’t want to go but he just has to”. Curly’s mental turmoil is exaggerated as he not alone leaves home but also his sweetheart Eileen, a neighbour’s daughter who seems perfect for him.
Much of the drama is centred around Eddie’s gentle prodding’s of Curly to reconsider his decision. He reminds him of what he’s leaving behind and the tough manual labour in New York in extreme weather conditions. How many, including himself go for “a few years”, never to return. If you are a real ‘Country Boy’ you can never settle there so if you go at all, you go for good. Eddie has his own ghosts from the past who have refused to let him settle so he speaks from experience. As the play concludes everyone’s situation is reconciled, ending in hope and harmony when earlier that seemed impossible.
TICKET DETAILS
Borrisokane Players are proud to showcase this enduring and classic play in the Clarke Memorial Hall on Friday (February 27), Saturday (February 28) and Sunday (March 1) at 8.30pm. Booking 086 0678124. Don’t miss this thought provoking drama with more than a few good laughs as well!