Baile | Eolas | Déan Teagmháil Linn
Stewart Parker
A semi-derelict labourer's cottage on the slopes of Cave Hill, just outside Belfast, in 1798.
The play was originally produced as 'Northern Star or (McCracken's Night Thoughts)'. All subsequent productions have referred to the play as simply 'Northern Star'.
After the "botched birth" of the 1798 rebellion, Henry Joy McCracken struggles to compose his last address to the people of Belfast before he hangs, and recalls the seven ages of his life, from youthful idealism to disillusion and despair. Each age is presented in the style of a famous Irish writer, including Boucicault, Behan and Beckett. In the end, his last words are drowned out by the thump of a Lambeg drum.
Drámaí Ginearálta
Dráma Fada
18
6
24
Cast doubling is possible. See original production for details. The original production also featured one musician.
07 November 1984
Produced by Lyric Theatre
Lyric Theatre
Stewart Parker Plays 2
2000
Methuen
Head Office, 215 Vauxhall Bridge RoadLondon SW1V 1EJEngland
+ 44 (0)20 7798 1600
www.methuen.co.uk
0 413 74350 0
Three Plays for Ireland
1989
Oberon
521 Caledonian RoadLondon N7 9RHEngland
+ 44 (0)20 7607 3637
oberon.books@btinternet.com
www.oberonbooks.com
1870259173
All Territories
All Rights
Alexandra Cann Representation
Box 116, 4 Montpelier StreetLondon SW7 1EEEngland
+ 44 (0)7796954969
alex@alexandracann.co.uk
Information for this entry was taken from the original production programme and from the published text.
Irish Playography, Irish Theatre Institute, 17 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 T +353 (0)1 670 4906 | E info@irishtheatreinstitute.ie W www.irishtheatreinstitute.ie (c) Irish Theatre Institute 2026