LIFE:

Born and grown in poor neighbourhood in Dublin he is an activist of the Irish Labour movement and of the nationalist movement against the British dominion but, disenchanted by the mid-class character of the nationalist leadership, doesn't take part to the Easter Uprising turning to theatre as an effective way for a political and social protest and writing his first dramas for Abbey Theatre. He writes the plays The Shadow of a Gunman, 1923, Juno and the Paycock, 1924 and The Plough and the Stars, 1926, that compose the one that is defined as Dublin's trilogy. The writings of this first period represent with rigorous realism the misery proletariat of Dublin and attempts of and anti-English revolt.
In 1926 he moves to London. The tragicomedies written in this age are more expressionist, but they share with the previous ones grotesque accents and aggressive liveliness of dialogues.

SUGGESTED WORKS:

Juno and the Paycock, 1924
It describes Dublin during the independence riots. The Boyle family wait for a remarkable inheritance that would change their life but when they realise that this is lacking in value the gallant Juno seduce their daughter and with her departs to begin a new life.

The Plough and the Stars, 1926
Set in the popular houses of the poor quarters of Dublin during the Easter Uprising of 1916. Here there's a strong contrast between the romantic idealism of Irish army Officer Jack Clitheroe and the true pain of the innocent civilians. After ten years, he heavily criticised the nationalistic ideals of rebellious. Uproars and hoots at the first performance when the Free State of Ireland's flag appeared on stage in a pub frequented by prostitutes.

OTHER WORKS:

The Shadow of a Gunman
First play of the Dublin's trilogy it's based on his experience of life in a house besieged by the British army. He introduces a series of personages coming from the poor quarters whose rich and lively talkativeness allowed themselves to raise from their poor lives. Had a great success.

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