Theatre and Performance in Neoliberal Ireland

Between 2012 and 2023 Ireland commemorated the centenaries of the significant revolutionary events that led ultimately to independence, through a series of performances that attempted to uncover and re-present the hidden histories of the emergence of Ireland as a ‘Free State’ and ultimately a Republic, though still partitioned. But how do you represent history one hundred years on when the ideals of revolutionaries from the past conflict with the realities of contemporary neoliberal governmentalism? This book examines productions during this ‘Decade of Centenaries’ that reflected, refracted and contested national narratives of the past to allow new narratives to emerge from the archives into a context of seismic constitutional change by popular vote (on marriage equality and a woman’s right to choose), as well as an uprising by theatre makers calling for gender equality and safe spaces to create. It also examines the politico-economic contexts (financial crash, austerity and a pandemic) that impacted on how performances were made and experienced.