The Shadow of a Gunman

Set in a Dublin tenement, Sean O Casey’s The Shadow of a Gunman takes place over a single day during the Irish War of Independence.

Aspiring poet Donal Davoren is rumoured to be a gunman on the run, making him the focus of much admiration and curiosity. As riots unfold on the streets outside, his fellow residents drift in and out of the room he shares with peddler Seamus Shields, gossiping, seeking advice and bringing to life the political and everyday concerns of the time.

As the reality of war moves closer to their front door, however, patriotism is challenged and courage tested while true heroism is found in an unexpected place.

Rathfarnham Theatre Group are delighted to bring this tragicomedy to the stage.  It was the first of Sean O Casey’s work to be produced on the Abbey Stage (1923). Today it continues to move and enthrall audiences while raising questions on the idealised and distorted narratives which can so often shadow the reality of our lives.

‘A revelation …. Magnificent’ – The Observer – 2023 (Druid Theatre)

‘A potent, moving mixture of comedy and tragedy, satire and polemics, cynicism and romance – The New Yorker – 1999 (Irish Repertory Theatre)

Running Time:  1 hour 45 minutes including an interval. Suitable for age 12+