Arrah Na Pogue

Published to coincide with a major stage revival at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin 15 December 2010 - 5 February 2011. Dion Boucicault was a prolific and successful writer of melodrama and comedies throughout the 19th Century. He is frequently taught as part of Irish drama and history of theatre courses. The introduction explains the historical context of the play and provides background information on Boucicault's life and works. With a large cast and a rollicking plot full of adventure and mishaps, it is one of Boucicault's plays best suited to performance and should be popular with amateur groups.

Written in 1864, Arrah na Pogue is an entertaining, hilarious tale of romance and rmisadventure with rascally rebels, despicable villains and love struck youths.Written in 1864 and set during the Irish rebellion of 1798, Arrah na Pogue is is an entertaining tale of romance and misadventure with rascally rebels, despicable villains and love struck youths. As night falls on the Wicklow mountains, the popular but incorrigible rebel Beamish MacCaul is lying in wait. He's out to ambush the cowardly rent-collector Michael Feeny and relieve him of a 'big lump of money.' That done, he's off to marry Fanny Power. Down in the valley, love is in the air for Shaun the Post and our heroine Arrah Meelish too. But Arrah has a secret. And Michael Feeny's found out. As Shaun and Arrah celebrate their wedding, revenge comes a-calling. Love must conquer all - including the hangman's noose. The play is full of Boucicault's trademark comic roguery, farce and melodrama, which has influenced Irish playwrights including Synge, O'Casey, Shaw and McDonagh. This edition features an introduction by leading Boucicault scholar Dr Scott Boltwood.