Welcome revival for Star of the Sea

Moonfish Theatre Company have revived their acclaimed production Star of the Sea for an Irish tour which will see it return to the city’s An Taibhdhearc Theatre from September 16 to 19.

The theatrical re-imagining of Joseph O’Connor’s novel received its world premiere at An Taibhdhearc during last year’s Arts Festival in a co-production between Moonfish and An Taibhdhearc.

Star of the Sea is a sweeping story, set during the Famine that moves between the wild, inhospitable Connemara landscape and the claustrophobic confines of a famine ship – the Star of the Sea.

This ship sets sail for the ‘Promised Land’ of America, making the journey from Ireland to New York, in 1847. Passengers on board include maidservant Mary Duane, the ruined Lord Meredith, and Pius Mulvey, a ruthless murderer.

Their lives and fates are more connected than any of them know, creating a gripping story of revenge and forgiveness in this highly creative piece of Irish theatre.

Moonfish Theatre’s production asks a number of questions which are pertinent to Irish history but are also relevant in contemporary society, including in today’s Ireland.

It explores what happens when a society is put under immense pressure and examines the ethical choices that face individuals at such moment. And it explores the Famine’s lasting effect on Irish culture, in particular, on the Irish language and music.

Star of the Sea, which features music and puppetry, is performed in Moonfish Theatre’s signature blend of Irish and English and is accessible to audiences with little or no Irish.

The show, which features the original cast, is suitable for anyone over 16 years. It will tour to nine other venues nationwide following its run at An Taibhdhearc from Wednesday, September 16, to Saturday, September 19.