Dancing at Lughnasa

A book about four sisters who are living together in 1930s Ireland, unmarried, with one child (out of wedlock) in the house with them. The grown-up child serves as narrator, which adds a slightly less standard format to a play that is otherwise basically a linear, realistic piece. In reality, the addition of the narrator turns it into a memory piece, as the young man remembers a particular summer when there was dancing - an unusual thing in this stern religious household. The child's father provides a bit of conflict when he shows up; he is referred to repeatedly as a creature, which is a detail that catches nicely the attitude toward unwed parents in those days - almost not human. The story is well written, with strong characters and show more believable settings and dialogue. show less

This is a very good play that is a quick read. It really touches on the plight of an Irish family on the cusp of the industrialization of Ireland (and the world by extension). It is packed with themes and motifs that really bring to the forefront the issues of christianity and paganism, reality and deception, etc.

This is a play I would have to see on stage to really figure out; on the page, I read it too quickly and felt like I was missing something. I liked the characters of the five sisters, but I didn’t like how Michael was considered the “main character” of the piece because he is narrating the events. I also found it a bit weird and spoilery for Michael to deliver the monologue stating what happened to all the sisters at like 4/5 of the way through—what even was the point of that last little bit? Perhaps I am more used to the American Graffiti sort of end credits. even though the actor playing him is to the side of the action and not really in the action. I suppose it is interesting as a theatrical technique, but on the page it show more didn’t work for me.

The play is based on the lives of Friel’s mother and sisters, so I do feel a bit churlish giving it the rating I am, but I am not ruling out seeing a production of it if I can. If only I’d had a chance to see the broadcast of the Siobhán McSweeney production at the National Theatre... show less

Dancing at Lughnasa is one of my favorite pieces of dramatic text from one of my favortie authors.

It is the story of the Mundy sisters, who live in County Donegal in the mid-1930s. It is told through the recollections of Michael, the illegitimate child of the youngest sister. These women work hard to survive but are trapped by every aspect of life - finances, social status, sexism, natural ability, duty, the past, and even religion.

Friel's writing is beautiful and rich, and the characters are tragically lovely. In such a short time, Friel succeeds in taking the reader from pure joy and relief to heartbreaking sadness. This is a work you'll remember.

Surprisingly easy to read as a - Play. I nearly didn’t, thinking it wouldn’t flow, but it did and I quickly got used to reading directions and narration as one. Lovely story of five unwed Irish sisters living together on a shoestring in Ballybeg. They have all the usual struggles of not having enough money yet kept themselves happy with an unreliable, battery radio and their love of music.

Rather melancholy look at the passing of a way of life through a single family. Even Father Jack can be seen as the symbol of the waning of the priests' authority with his heretical beliefs. And perhaps Gerry Evans could be a metaphor of British interest in Ireland -- he comes and flirts and dazzles some of them but in the end, he marries a nice Welsh girl leaving his bastard son in Ireland to make his way on his own.

A deeply moving and eternally relevant masterpiece from one of the greatest playwrights. Whether you read it, see it on stage, or watch the movie, this wise and tender portrait of relationships transcends its time or country, and speaks directly to heart and head. Yes, you're right, I loved it.