Brian Friel’s Dramatic Artistry: ‘The Work has Value

Brian Friel’s Dramatic Artistry makes an important contribution to our understanding of the work of Ireland’s greatest living playwright. The fifteen essays collected here provide us with new perspectives on Friel’s most familiar works, such as Translations, Faith Healer, and Dancing at Lughnasa. They remind us of the importance of neglected works like The Gentle Island and Volunteers. And, perhaps most importantly, they give much needed attention to his most recent dramas, such as Give Me Your Answer, Do! and Performances. The editors have gathered together a refreshingly broad range of voices for this collection: we encounter new work from some of the leading English-speaking authorities on Friel’s work, while also enjoying fascinating essays from scholars working in Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Hungary. Accessible, authoritative, and informative, this book will deepen our knowledge - and, crucially, our enjoyment - of Friel’s oeuvre.