What is the significance of theatre and performance within Irish culture and history? How do we understand the impact and political potential of Irish theatre?

This innovative survey of theatre in Ireland covers a range of drama and performance, from the 17th century to the present. Expanding the field of Irish theatre to include mumming, wake games, prison protests and theatre riots, the book argues that Ireland's longstanding association with performance illuminates key aspects of its cultural history and politics.

Foreword by Fiona Shaw.

LIONEL PILKINGTON is Senior Lecturer in English at the National University of Ireland, Galway. He is the author of Theatre and the State in 20th Century Ireland.

Foreword; F.Shaw
Introduction
The Stage Irishman
Theatre history
Theatre Outside the Theatre 1
Violence
Acting Natural and Acting National
Theatre Outside the Theatre 2
Modernity
Further Reading
Acknowledgements.