Plays

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The Burning Spirit

OVERVIEW

  • Playwright

    Seán Dunne (1) 

  • Author Notes

    Jessica Kirby and Desmond Brambley are also credited with 'Scripting' in the original production programme.

  • Synopsis

    The Burning Spirit is a tale of intolerance based on the true story of young Bridget Cleary, who was burned by villagers in Tipperary in 1895. Bridget is married to Michael and the demise of this relationship is at the heart of this play. While Bridget's unconventional attitudes and sheer passion for life result in her social exclusion, Michael burrows deeper into the fabric of conventional society. Terrified that his wife may be possessed, Michael rallies the communal and familial support that ultimately results in Bridget's death.

  • Play Type

    Plays General

    Number Of Acts

    Full-Length

    • Cast size

  • Male

    5

  • Female

    4

  • Total

    9

  • Cast Notes

    Cast doubling is possible. See original production for details.

Original Production

Original Cast  
Michael Cleary Myles Horgan
Bridget Cleary Diane O'Keeffe
John Dunne Gavin Dunne
Hannah Burke Tracey Walsh
Old Mrs. Cleary Cliodhna O'Meara
Herbalist Denise Cahalane
Priest Daragh Fitzgerald
Patrick Boland Daragh Fitzgerald
Tom Murphy Iro Scerbo
Production Team  
Director Trish Edelstein
Set Designer Roisin O'Meara
Lighting Mickael Benet
Lighting Daniel Licht
Composer Eoin McQuinn
Musician Donagh O'Shea
Production Team Orfhlaith Tuohy
Production Team Monika Lojack
Production Team Mary Horan
PR Rebekah Ring
PR Tom Sheehan
Graphic Design Mark Kenny

Unpublished Scripts

Rights Information

Source Of Information

The information for this entry was taken from the original production programme and promotional flyer.