Brian Friel: Decoding the Language of the Tribe

This book looks at the political and social aspects of Friels drama, in the context of the development of modern Ireland. The plays preoccupations are located in the framework of their internal, historical and literary time, and against the backdrop of the evolving Irish state in which they were written.

Friel's plays have consistently explored themes of nationality and community, language and communication, social ritual and otherness, sketched through a series of unforgettable characters. The seeming smallness of their lives mirrors the great movements of Irish society and history; the personal and the political are shown to be inextricably linked.

About the Author

Tony Corbett has written widely on contemporary Irish theatre.