The Ferryman: A Haunting and Harrowing Tale of Love, Loss, and the Legacy of War

The Ferryman (NHB Modern Plays)

by Jez Butterworth

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	786 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	138 pages
Paperback	:	98 pages
Item Weight	:	5.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.25 x 9 inches

FREE

In the quiet, rural landscape of rural County Armagh, Northern Ireland, in 1981, a family gathers to celebrate the harvest. But beneath the surface of this seemingly ordinary gathering, there are deep fissures and unspoken secrets that threaten to tear them apart.

The Ferryman, Jez Butterworth's Olivier Award-winning play, is a gripping and emotionally resonant exploration of family, grief, and the legacy of war. Set against the backdrop of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the play delves into the complexities of human relationships and the devastating impact of violence.

The Carney family is at the heart of the play. Patrick (Paddy Considine),the patriarch, is a taciturn and enigmatic figure, haunted by the loss of his wife and the disappearance of his brother.

His children, Caitlin (Laura Donnelly),Sean (Tom Glynn-Carney),and Michael (Paddy Gibson),are struggling to come to terms with their own grief and the secrets that have been kept from them.

As the family gathers for the harvest, tensions rise and old wounds are reopened. The arrival of a mysterious young woman, Quinn (Genevieve O'Reilly),further complicates the family dynamics and forces them to confront their past.

Butterworth's writing is both poetic and deeply moving, capturing the raw emotions of his characters with honesty and compassion. The play is a powerful indictment of the violence that has torn Northern Ireland apart, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

The Ferryman is a must-read for anyone interested in modern drama, Irish history, or the human condition. It is a play that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Characters

• Patrick Carney: The patriarch of the Carney family, a taciturn and enigmatic figure haunted by the loss of his wife and the disappearance of his brother.
• Caitlin Carney: Patrick's eldest daughter, a strong and independent woman who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her mother.
• Sean Carney: Patrick's eldest son, a troubled young man who is haunted by the violence he has witnessed.
• Michael Carney: Patrick's youngest son, a gentle and sensitive boy who is struggling to find his place in the family.
• Quinn Carney: A mysterious young woman who arrives at the Carney's farm, her connection to the family revealed as the secrets of the past are exp

Themes

• Family: The play explores the complex dynamics of family relationships, the love, loyalty, and secrets that bind families together.
• Grief: The play delves into the different ways that people grieve, the pain, anger, and guilt that can accompany loss.
• War: The play is set against the backdrop of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and explores the devastating impact of violence on individuals and families.
• Redemption: The play offers a glimmer of hope for redemption, the possibility of healing and forgiveness even in the midst of great suffering.

Reviews

"The Ferryman is a masterpiece, a play that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. Butterworth's writing is both poetic and deeply moving, capturing the raw emotions of his characters with honesty and compassion."—The New York Times

"A powerful and moving play that explores the complexities of family, grief, and the legacy of war."—The Guardian

"The Ferryman is a must-read for anyone interested in modern drama, Irish history, or the human condition."—The Independent

The Ferryman is a gripping and emotionally resonant play that explores the complexities of family, grief, and the legacy of war. Butterworth's writing is both poetic and deeply moving, capturing the raw emotions of his characters with honesty and compassion. The play is a must-read for anyone interested in modern drama, Irish history, or the human condition.

The Ferryman (NHB Modern Plays)

by Jez Butterworth

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	786 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	138 pages
Paperback	:	98 pages
Item Weight	:	5.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.25 x 9 inches

FREE