This is the final weekend for UD’s Resident Ensemble Players’ production of “Dancing at Lughnasa.”
The play by Brian Friel centers around the five Mundy sisters, all of whom are unmarried, though one shamed the family after giving birth to a love child named Michael. Much of the story revolves around the compassion each sister feels for Michael, and the challenges faced by a single parent, then a scandalous notion.
The adult Michael narrates this memory play, which takes place in 1936 Ireland. His memories are slightly blurred, but he recalls the summer spent in his aunts’ cottage when he was seven.
The vehicle that introduces dance is a radio, which randomly blasts traditional Irish folk music. The sisters lead challenging lives, so they’re seemingly driven to sudden outbursts of unrestrained dancing. It’s the only respite they have. The music serves to soften the otherwise serious undertone of the play. The sisters live in poverty. They’re unfilled, unlucky in love, and for companionship have only each other.
“Dancing at Lughnasa” earned several awards, including the Laurence Olivier, New York Drama Critics’ Circle, and two Tonys.
Contact info: udel.edu/theatre, or 831-2204
