The Playboy of the Western World

The Playboy of the Western World was written by J. M. Synge and first performed in January 1907. It is set in a cottage in County Mayo (on the North-West coast of Ireland) during the early 1900s. It tells the story of Christy Mahon, a young man supposedly running away having killed his father. Christy arrives at the cottage, and the locals are more interested in vicariously enjoying his story than in condemning his morality.

Related Topics:
J. M. Synge - January - 1907

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When The Playboy first opened in Dublin, it was the cause of civil disturbances as Catholic protesters voiced their objections to the portrayal of rural Irish Catholic morality.

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A musical version of this play, written by Kate Hancock and Richard B. Evans, premiered at the STAGES 2005 musical festival at the Theatre Building Chicago.

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This play was adapted in 1984 by Trinidadian playright Mustapha Matura, lifted out of turn of the century Ireland and set down in 1950's Trinidad, and retitled Playboy of the West Indies.

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