A true story of murder and a miscarriage of justice have inspired Maum, a new bilingual drama which will be staged by An Taibhdhearc for the Galway International Arts Festival.
The play, from an era when speaking Irish meant a death sentence, will shine a new light on a controversial case that remains shrouded in secrecy and shame.
In the Maum Trasna valley in 1882, a family of men, women and children were murdered.
Mayhem erupted after this brutal massacre. Terror was rife in the surrounding countryside. Suspects were arrested and two cultures collided.
Lawyers from Dublin – a key city of the British Empire – confronted men from a remote Connemara valley.
Neither side could speak the other’s language, leading to conflict, confusion, lies and betrayal. Crucial evidence given in Irish was disallowed. An innocent man was hanged while others got rough justice to enforce British rule.
Maum, written by Sighle Ní Chonaill has been translated by Macdara O Fátharta and is directed by Diarmuid de Faoite.
The cast includes David Heap, Eoin Geoghegan, Brendan Murray, Seán Ó Tarpaigh, Cillian Garvey, Rod Goodall, Colm Joe Mac Donncha, Colm Ó Fatharta, Peadar Ó Treasaigh, Eoin Mac Diarmada, Paul Griffin and John Keane.
This bilingual play with sur-titles about a major event in Irish history will run from July 9-18 at An Taibhdhearc Theatre as part of the Galway Arts Festival. www.galwayartsfestival.ie
