Fourth Wall Laois Theatre Group’s production of John Murphy’s play “The Country Boy” is a humorous but poignant love story that examines emigration, the impact of dreams on reality, and the challenges of returning home after seeking a better life abroad.
That John Murphy didn’t pen a second play is a shame. The Country Boy’ is one of those plays that will always stand the test of time.
Having experienced the hurt of emigration himself,Murphy can, and does, create the perfect ‘Country Boy’.
Of course the play deals with many emotions and relationships but the theme of emigration seems to be at the root of most issues dealt with in this drama.
At the time when John Murphy was considering his future employment, most rural families saw the majority of their children leave the locality. The eldest son, ready to take over the farm, could not do so, or easily marry, until his father retired – not a speedy matter, since one third of all farmers in 1946 were over 65 years of age .
Hence the phenomenon of the rural bachelor, and lonely hearts advertisements which began:‘Youth, aged 44, desires wife’.
At the time, the ‘social scene’ was the square formed by two roads. Known as the crossroads, it was a good enough place to meet to have a dance. In many rural isolated areas , it was often the only place.
In ‘The Country Boy’, John Murphy writes about the real live in country areas in Ireland.
He had intended writing a play about the Irish in America, but as he said “ the inspiration didn’t travel with him”. Let us be thankful that he wrote ‘The Country Boy’.
In an article for ‘The Journal’ in 2000 then IFA president Tom Parlon wrote about John Murphy’s play. “It is wonderful to see amateur drama groups perform plays like The Country Boy’ which reflects aspects of rural life in Ireland”, said the IFA leader.
Mr Parlon continued: “Plays such as this allow us to understand the events and periods of Irish History which have shaped todays farming and rural Life. Theatre is a powerful medium and the story of emigration in Ireland in the 1950’s as told by John Murphy affected the majority of Irish familes”, continued Mar Parlon.
PLAYED AT THE ABBEY
The play was first performed at The Abbey Theatre Dublin in 1959. Director of the National theatre Earnest Blythe, said that while he wasn’t placing Murphy among names like O’Casey and Synge, he did believe that John Murphy gave hope for new writers in Irish theatre. Blythe believed that in the play real problems, personal and social are penetratingly discussed, not for the sake of reaching conclusions or suggesting remedies, but for the correct dramatic purpose of revealing the thoughts and feelings, hopes and fears of the people in the play.
Synopsis
Eddie returns to Ireland with his American wife Julia intent on bringing his brother Curly to America.
Curly is in love with the lively and beautiful Eileen but feels he must emigrate alone to make his fortune and return in a few years to marry her.
Curly’s mother Mary Kate’s heart is breaking at the thought of him leaving, while her husband Tom does not think time is right to hand over the farm to Curly. He does not want Eileen to “fill the house with screetchin’ childer”.
The empty stateroom trunk that the American couple brings serves as a powerful metaphor for the emptiness and disappointment that Eddie carries from his years away.
Eddie denigrates his wife as a “fat cow” but Julia rises to a new dignity as she becomes aware of her supportive role during Eddie’s dreams and struggles.
Will Curly follow in Eddie’s footsteps? Will Eileen be left to wait? Will Eddie and Julia reconcile? Will Tom and Mary Kate be left with an empty nest?
The Country Boy will be presented by Fourth Wall theatre group at Thomastown Concert Hall May 3rd and 4th at 8pm.
Booking 087 7728170
