Notice: There are currently gaps in the database affecting plays from mid 2023, 2024 and mid 2025 due to a technical issue. We are working to resolve this as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience in the meantime.

Home | About | Contact Us

The Arts Council Playography Na Gaeilge

Plays

Printer Friendly

Blackwater Angel

OVERVIEW

  • Playwright

    Jim Nolan 

  • Setting

    Near Affane, County Waterford, 1666.

  • Synopsis

    Set in County Waterford in the dangerous summer of 1666, when 'the world is rational and wonders have ceased'. This play dramatises the temptations of Valentine Greatrakes (1629-1683) and explores the relationships of this 'stroker', or miracle-worker, with his art and his anxieties and fears with his family and retinue and with a troupe of strolling players. Above all, this play weighs the effects of the siren-like foundling, Angel Landy, as the healer aspires to bestow peace on others and to achieve it within himself.

  • Play Type

    Plays General

    Number Of Acts

    Full-Length

    • Cast size

  • Male

    8

  • Female

    6

  • Total

    14

  • Cast Notes

    Cast doubling is possible. See original production for details.

Original Production

Original Cast
Lizzie Maher Catherine Walsh (1)
Theatrical Troop Lise Hearns
Theresa Lise Hearns
Angel Landy Laura Rogers
Thomas Wyvern Chris McHallem
Ruth Julia Lane
Valentine Greatrakes John Lynch(2)
Eustacia Everard Cathy White
Theatrical Troop Jude Sweeney
Michael Maher Michael Hayes (1)
Mathias Everard Robert O'Mahoney
Theatrical Troop Gertrude Montgomery
Ellen Reilly Gertrude Montgomery
Theatrical Troop Conan Sweeny
Martin Reilly Conan Sweeny
Young Michael Maher Seán Dunne (2)
Production Team
Director Ben Barnes
Set Designer Jamie Vartan
Lighting Designer Rupert Murray
Costume Designer Joan O'Clery
Costumes Abbey Theatre Wardrobe Department
Sound Designer Dave Nolan
Composer Ilona Sekacz
Staff Director David Parnell
Assistant Costume Designer Catherine Fay
Stage Director Finola Eustace
Assistant Stage Manager Stephen Dempsey
Assistant Stage Manager Gabrielle McGrath
Set Construction Abbey Theatre Workshop
Programme Design Red Dog Design
Photography Paul McCarthy (2)
Voice Coach Andrea Ainsworth
Singing Coach Paul Keenan

Published Scripts

Rights Information

  • Territory

    All Territories

  • Rights Type

    All Rights

  • Contact

    The Gallery Press

  • Address

    Loughcrew
    Oldcastle
    Co. Meath
    Republic of Ireland

  • Phone

    + 353 (0)49 8541779

  • Email

    books@gallerypress.com

  • Website

    www.gallerypress.com

Source Of Information

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