Background to the play
While researching potential ancestral cousins from a hundred years ago, I found in the newspaper archives a published apology where a man brought his neighbour to court for libel and slander. The basis of the case concerned a young woman who had a baby out of wedlock and the defendant in the case had spread stories that the father was either his neighbour or the neighbour’s son. The defendant lost the case and had to publish an apology. I wasn’t able to find any more details although there was another court case the following year where the complainant was being sued by another neighbour for property damage. It was suggested that there was a lot of bad feeling among the community against him for bringing his neighbour to court the previous year (even though he won!). I was intrigued by this and wondered what the full story could be. This play which is fictitious, apart from the apology, is my imagining of the events that might have led to the apology and the possible fall-out after it was published. I have reproduced the actual text of the apology with minor changes (names etc) in the script.
The play was Highly Commended at the 2024 Drama League of Ireland (DLI) Playwighting competition.
Characters
Martin Brennan: Male, 50 – 60.
John Brennan: Male, 25 – 30. Martin’s son.
Catherine Sheehan: Female, 25 – 30, Martin’s second cousin.
Edward Dunphy: Male, 50 – 60. Martins neighbour.
Pat Dunphy: Male, 25 – 30. Edwards son
Danny Brophy: Male, 40 – 60. Worker on Dunphys farm. Mild special needs.
Judge: Recorded voiceover.
Setting
The play takes place in and around the fictitious village of Dunroe in Co. Kildare, although it could be set in any rural location in Ireland with minor changes. Time period is 1932 / 1933. It is in 8 scenes set in 6 different locations. Stage design will be a challenge for the director. A simple setting is suggested so that each scene can be established easily and quickly while still being unique and distinguishable from the other scenes. Lighting will play a big role in this.
View script HERE
Joe Bergin 