The Cripple of Inishmaan (2005)
Written by Martin McDonagh
Directed by Karen Carleton
Performed in Lamb Doyles, Blackglen Road, Dublin, November 2005
The story of the play revolves around the filming of the documentary Man of Aran. It is a dark comedy set on the small Aran Islands community of Inishmaan off the Western Coast of Ireland, around 1934. The play was also presented in the Mill Theatre a year later in October 2006.
The Story
When the Aran islanders hear about the fact that a Hollywood film crew is coming to neighbouring Inishmore to make a documentary about life on the islands. 'Cripple' Billy Claven is more excited than antone else on the island and wants nothing more than the chance to get away from the gossip, poverty and boredom of Inishmaan. He sees the arrival of the film crew and the opportunity to play a part as his chance to escape. To everyone's surprise, this orphan boy, who is something of an outcast in his community is given an audition by the Hollywood director Robert Flaherty.
Cripple Billy, an unloved boy whose chief occupation has been gazing at cows and yearning for a girl who wants no part of him, is determined to cross the sea and audition for the Yank. And as news of his audacity ripples through his rumor-starved community, The Cripple of Inishmaan becomes a merciless portrayal of a world so comically cramped and mean-spirited that hope is an affront to its order.
This play was performed in Lamb Doyle's on Mon 21 to Thurs 24 November 2005.
Picture Gallery
Photographs from productions are stored on the SmugMug.com site. The Balally Players SmugMug account allows for the viewing and downloading of images at various sizes if high resolution pictures have been uploaded. The slideshow below can be run and stopped by clicking on the play (>) and pause (¦¦) icons. You can move forward and back by clicking on the right or left of the image. To go to the gallery of these images stored in the Balally Players pages of the SmugMug site, where you can see and download larger copies of the images, visit www.balally.smugmug.com to see all of the available galleries of images.
| Kate Eileen Johnnypateenmike Billy Bartley Helen Babbybobby Doctor Mammy |
Mary Ryan Anne Lucas Peter Flood Oran O'Rua John O'Brien Judy McKeever Len Nealon Tony McGettigan Dorris Cullen |
| Director Stage Manager Lighting Sound Continuity Assistant Stage Manager |
Karen Carleton Kevin Fahey Paul Macken Gerry Doyle Jackie Lee Mirella McIlvenna |