A play of strong women, Tom McIntyre's lament for Art O'Leary provides an antithesis to feminist reading of Gaelic literature and reminds us that notions of the subjugation of the matriarch may be coloured by Victorianism.
Eibhlin Dubh (Karen Ardiff), author of the lament, widow of Art O'Leary, is passionate, sensuous and uncompromising. The old woman (Maire Ni Ghrainne) lends the events her wit and coaxes fate to avenge Art's killing, as in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Cronica de una muerte anunciada.
Set amongst a Gaelic Munster aristocracy, the dress and eloquence of the Irish set them above the churlish English soldier and the contemptuous judge (Tom Hickey). On the note of national characteristics, Art O'Leary (Liam Heffernan) is fiery and impetuous, as much an archetype as the imperial sheriff (Tom Hickey).
Visits by a professional company are a fillip to the Gaeltacht and regional drama will learn much of stage presence, characterisation and timing.
The visitors' diction, however, was imperfect: compare Moliere played in Paris by learners of French. More realistic was the use of English where appropriate. This co-existence of the two national languages is too rarely met in dramatic writing, be it for stage, print or television.
Packed into a parish school hall in Carraroe on Saturday night, many would have asked themselves when will Connemara be able to welcome its visitors to the comfort of a modern theatre? And the performances of local Sile Nic Chonaonaigh and Brid Treasa Ni Ghaoithin lend weight to argument in favour of such an amenity.
Runs until May 30th, touring Inis Meain, Ceathru Thaidhg, Belfast, Derry, Gweedore, Rath Cairn, An Rinn, Dingle, Galway and Dublin. Phone 01-8787222 for information