-
Playwright
Stewart Parker
-
Setting
A semi-derelict labourer's cottage on the slopes of Cave Hill, just outside Belfast, in 1798.
-
Notes
The play was originally produced as 'Northern Star or (McCracken's Night Thoughts)'. All subsequent productions have referred to the play as simply 'Northern Star'.
-
Synopsis
After the "botched birth" of the 1798 rebellion, Henry Joy McCracken struggles to compose his last address to the people of Belfast before he hangs, and recalls the seven ages of his life, from youthful idealism to disillusion and despair. Each age is presented in the style of a famous Irish writer, including Boucicault, Behan and Beckett. In the end, his last words are drowned out by the thump of a Lambeg drum.
-
Play Type
Plays General
Number Of Acts
Full-Length
Cast size
-
Male
18
-
Female
6
-
Total
24
-
Cast Notes
Cast doubling is possible. See original production for details. The original production also featured one musician.