Eastern Oregon University’s Theatre Program Presents: A Journey through Irish Drama

Eastern Oregon University’s Theatre Program Presents: A Journey through Irish Drama

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University’s Theatre Program invites the public to a presentation of Irish plays this November. Featuring a compelling lineup of works, audiences can experience stories of survival, national identity, and human nature at the Schwarz Theater in Loso Hall.

“I have had a long-time love of Ireland. It’s music, dance, culture, film and theatre. I have taught Irish Drama for 18 years, and strongly felt that it was time to actually direct and produce an Irish play. I chose Belfast Girls because it had an ensemble of five strong women, with unique stories because of the Irish Famine of 1845-50. To balance roles, I choose three classic Irish Celtic Revival one-acts from the early 1900s that featured men,” Director MIke Heather said. “I want the audience to experience my love for Ireland as well through these four plays. To experience the Irish story through wit, tragedy, and love.”

Show Dates and Times:

Belfast Girls by Jaki McCarrick:

Wednesday, Nov. 13, Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:00 p.m., & Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2:00 p.m.

The Rising of the Moon by Lady Augusta Gregory,

Pot of Broth by William Butler Yeats and Lady Gregory,

In the Shadow of the Glen by John Millington Synge:

Tuesday, Nov. 12, Thursday, Nov. 14, & Saturday, Nov.16 at 7:00 p.m.

The featured plays include: 

Belfast Girls (by Jaki McCarrick):

Set in 1850 during the Irish famine, five young women flee to Australia for a fresh start. However, their journey becomes a struggle between the hope for a new life and the haunting memories of their past.

The Rising of the Moon (by Lady Augusta Gregory):

On a moonlit night, an Irish sergeant working for the English government encounters a mysterious stranger. What begins as a search for an escaped political prisoner turns into a conversation that challenges the sergeant’s loyalty to his country.

Pot of Broth (by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory):

This lighthearted farce tells the story of a gullible woman tricked into believing a magic stone will create a delicious soup.

In the Shadow of the Glen (by John Millington Synge):

Set in rural Ireland, this play explores the isolation and unfulfilled desires of a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage.

These performances offer an exploration of Irish heritage, personal struggles, and human resilience.

For tickets or inquiries, please contact Director Mike Heather at mheather@eou.edu, or go to https://www.eou.edu/theatre/box-office-information/. 

Eastern Oregon University’s Theatre Program offers students the opportunity to engage with classic and contemporary works, cultivating creativity and performance skills. The program enriches the community through diverse performances and collaborations with regional and international artists.