GRANUAILE
But times were changing. Many Irish chieftains had submitted to the English throne. In March 1576 The O'Malley (her father had by this time died) was summoned and gave his submission in Galway to Sir Henry Sidney. He kept his promises and in the next year did not join in the rebellion. It was sometime in 1577 that Grainne herself, unasked, presented herself to Sidney and submitted.
In Ireland at the time survival was the rule of the day. If to give a promise of good behaviour to the English was what was necessary it is not surprising that that was done. Her husband, according to Brehon law, was next in line for The MacWilliamship but the present one had submitted and agreed to enforce English law, including that of primogeniture. Establishing good relations was all the more important to secure her husband's future.
The Gráinne Mhaol - The Process
After six weeks we gave people the opportunity to specialise in one particular area. In conjunction with this we also instigated a very collaborative design process led by Kieran McNulty and our Art Directors, Aine Lawless, Doreen McKenna, Peter Casby and Peter Nelson.
Declan Gibbons - General Manager - Macnas - July 2002
Media Reviews
For the most part, Kathi Leahy's production is a roaring success. It
has the impulsive directness of the old community pageants and the fresh
stream-like quality of a good parade. It also has the beauty and visual
complexity of contemporary physical theatre, drawing judiciously on influences
as diverse as Els Comedients, Footsbarn, Robert Wilson and Robert Lepage.
The key to this sure-footed balancing of the different forms is the use
of the magnificent Big Top.
In its scale and architecture, the Big Top puts the adjacent cathedral
in the shade. Yet it also has that wonderfully temporary, nomadic quality
that you get in a circus tent. You can still feel the grass beneath your
feet and hear the rush of the river outside. You are, in a sense, both
indoors and outdoors. It is the perfect arena for a, production which
combines the company's history on the streets and in conventional theatres.
Fintan O'Toole - Irish Times
Friday 19th July 2002
Memories
I invite all participants and/or those who saw the show to enter their memories into this space. Photoes of the show most welcome
I look forward to hearing your comments.
Jim Aherne
email me at :
