Irish Drama

Irish Drama Analysis : Realism and Imagination

Introduction

Realism and imagination are complimentary components of theatrical plays that both contributed to entertainment value and informative power of plays . Realism in the arts or in theater involves the depiction of the characters and plot of the story as they appear in everyday life , which provides impact in terms of allowing the audience to relate to the play or story or learn something for practical purposes . Imagination on the other hand provides perceptions beyond what is normally experienced by people that embellishes the story

that is unchained from the fetters of reality . While reality primarily gives us facts that we commonly experience , imagination , whether partial or multiple representations helps provide meaning to these empirical observations which is essential for people to make sense of society or their general environment (Elliott and Crowther , 2006 , p11 ) Thus , both realism and imagination are key components in the learning process involved in watching and reviewing theatrical plays . Following are critical reviews of two Irish plays in which realism and imagination are utilized to depict the truth about the history of Ireland

The Steward of Christendom by Sebastian Barry

Set in the formative years of Ireland after gaining independence from Imperial England , the play tells of the struggle of the Irish people seeking their own identity and character as a self-determining and self-governing nation . At this point , Barry 's play already explores the grim realities that a newly sovereign people face after years of colonial rule . However , instead...