For the next several years one rebellion followed another. The MacWilliamship was abolished, reinstated in rebellion and abolished again. The O'Malley fleet was instrumental here as a fast transport of troops. She was a sufficient force to move Bingham to describe her as 'a notable traitoress and nurse to all rebellions in the Province for 40 years'.

Even her son, Murrough O'Flaherty sided with Bingham against her at one point. Bingham relates how thus infuriated

• his aforesaid Mother Grany (being out of charety with her sonne for serving her Matie:) manned out her Navy of Gallyes and landed in Ballinehenchie where he swellethe, burned his Towen and spoiled his people of their Cattayle and goods and murdered 3 or 4 of his men which offered to make resistanc

Having destroyed her livelihood on land Bingham sought to suppress her ability to live by the sea. It is probably this that moved Grainne into a more political arena. In July 1593 she petitioned the Queen:

• In most humble wise showeth unto your most excellent Majesty; your loyal and faithful subject Grany Ne Mailly of Connaught in you Highness realm of Ireland that where by means of the continual discord stirs and dissention which heretofore long time remained among the Irish especially in West Connaught by the sea-side, every cheiftain for his safeguard and maintainance and for the defence of his people, followers and country took arms by strong hand to make head against his neighbours, who in like manner constrained your highness fond subject to take arms and by force to maintain herself and her people by sea and land the space of forty years past.

In this very opening she justifies her actions and hints of the Queen's inability to keep order in the province. A bold way to start a letter asking for the pardon for her two sons and 'in tender consideration whereof and in regard of her great age, she most humbly beseeches your majesty of your princely bounty and liberality to grant her some reasonable maintenance for the little time she has to live.' Notwithstanding her 'great age' she then asks

• to grant unto your said subject under your most gracious hand of signet, free liberty during her life to invade with sword and fire all your highness enemies, wheresoever they are or shall be, without any interruption of any person or persons whatsoever.

The Gráinne Mhaol - Directors Note

Macnas has a strong tradition of working with the community. This is, however, the first time we have attempted to combine professional actors and community performers in one indoor performance. Professional actors offer their skill, their talent and their experience to the performance. Community performers bring real life experience, their own individual talents and enormous energy to the piece. It is the marriage of these two strands that has created the show

Kathi Leahy - July 2002

Media Reviews

However, for each created prop, there is another more elaborate and towards the end it is the , meeting between Grainne and Queen Elizabeth that is most impressive. Hoisted on high by an enormous apple green dress, Queen Elizabeth entertains her old foe Grainne, who is in turn raised on a ship and clothed in flowing red garb. Visually; this is dramatic stuff.

The production uses three actors to play Grainne as she grows from a young, innocent girl to a warrior queen and finally dies. as a revered and inspirational leader in her middle age. The changes are fluidly made and hardly felt, but if there are faults in the production they lie in the sequence of the narrative, which is at times confusing, while in the large arena, the actors are at times almost inaudible. What it lacks too, is the sporadic nature of a street performed spectacle. Here the audience can watch, can engage, but cannot participate.

Nevertheless, set as it is in the Big Top, this is an all encompassing piece of theatre, depending on elements outside the narrative for its power: The real story of Grainne Mhaol may be no clearer upon leaving this show, but her magic and mythicism is conjured by means of a beautiful, all consuming and engaging piece of art.
Macnas may have come in from the streets but it has brought with it the majesty of an outdoor performance.

Sunday Tribune

21 July 2002 - RA

Memories

I invite all participants and/or those who saw the show to enter their memories into this space. Photos of the show most welcome

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jim Aherne

e-mail me at : grainne-show@excite.com