Sean O'Casey: A Research and Production Sourcebook [Hardcover]

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 favor of international socialism. ThoughThe Shadow of a GunmanandJuno and the Paycockhelped save the Abbey Theatre from near bankruptcy,The Plough and the Starsdrew 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.

Preface
Chronology
Life and Career
The Plays: Summaries and Critical Overviews
Bedtime Story (1952)
Behind the Green Curtains (1962)
The Bishop's Bonfire (1955)
Cathleen Listens In (1923)
Cock-A-Doodle Dandy (1949)
The Drums of Father Ned (1960)
The End of the Beginning (1937)
Figuro in the Night (1962)
Hall of Healing (1952)
The Harvest Festival
Juno and the Paycock (1924)
The Moon Shines on Kylenamoe (1962)
Nannie's Night Out (1924)
Oak Leaves and Lavender (1946)
The lCŽ