BASED on the unsolved murder of Maurice (Mossie) Moore in the village of Reamore near Tralee in 1959, John B Keane’s legendary treatment of what lead to Moore’s death created his best known play, ‘The Field’.
A county Limerick based professional company, Shakespeare in the Glen, is bringing ‘The Field’ to the stage at Lime Tree Theatre, MIC campus on Friday April 13 at 8pm. Shakespeare in the Glen is dedicated to the study and performance of theatre classics in rural Ireland.
Their feeling about this play by the controversial Listowel writer is:
“‘The Field’ is an amazing analysis of Irish culture that transcends this seemingly isolated event in Kerry and shines a harsh light on Irish society in its entirety, on the treatment of women, members of the travelling community, and children. Each character has their own battle, own sphere of influence, own effect and like so many pebbles thrown into a calm pond they overlap, interact and influence each other.”
Using the Ben Barnes edition of Keane’s script, the production highlights the power of influence and control, exposing the universal corruption of the soul caused by action or inaction through word, deed, or silence. Thus, the terrible price that the village of Carrigthomond pays for this corruption.
“The roles and responsibilities of the powerbrokers are questioned at every opportunity.
“Our production charts the unsettled waters of these relationships, observes the ‘tribe’ influencing the social network by their actions or inactions.
“It reveals how this enculturation permeates every generation with alarming ease. This powerful tale is more than a battle for a four acre field in East Kerry.
“In the most accessible and understandable way, John B. Keane gives us a glimpse of the eternal battle for the soul, for the innocence, for the light.”
Book for this professional production at website www.limetreetheatre.ie
