This thesis discusses the plays of Irish playwright Conor McPherson in the context of the Celtic Tiger. This study first seeks to clarify McPherson's work by distancing it from that of Martin McDonagh and others that are a part of a genre...
moreThis thesis discusses the plays of Irish playwright Conor McPherson in the context of the Celtic Tiger. This study first seeks to clarify McPherson's work by distancing it from that of Martin McDonagh and others that are a part of a genre called "In-Yer-Face Theatre" as coined by theorist Aleks Sierz. The study then uses Kenneth Burke's "cluster analysis" to describe two of McPherson's plays-This Lime Tree Bower and The Weir-as artifacts of an Irish culture that is changing in response to Celtic Tiger. Next, McPherson's plays Port Authority and Shining City are discussed as artifacts of a changed, or "new," Ireland, that exists at the end of the Celtic Tiger. Finally, the conclusion makes a case for McPherson's place amongst the great writers of Irish theatre-Yeats, Lady Gregory, Synge, and Friel-because of the history revealed within the timelessness of his plays. iii Dedication This thesis is dedicated to my wife Allison and to my amazing children. Without them, this work would have been impossible. Their unfailing support and love were a constant force of strength, which drove me throughout my research. Thank you-I love you.
