Overview

Synopsis

Presented in four monologues by three characters, Brian Friel's Faith Healer is the story of Frank, a traveling showman who also occasionally heals people; his bitter, angry, but still loving wife; and his once-plucky, now-tired manager, who has given up his career to promote Frank. Traveling through remote and isolated areas in Scotland and Wales, Frank offers his unique cure to the most desperate and hopeless of people. Does he actually possess a gift? Or are these rare and miracle healings simply tricks of the mind? Each monologue sheds more light on events that lead to tragedy, although the characters' memories conflict with each other.

Faith Healer is an Irish meditation on the role and responsibility of the artist in society, as well as an exploration of the meanings of healing and salvation.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1979
Genres
Drama, Dark Comedy
Settings
Period, Simple/No Set
Time & Place
An empty stage, 1970s
Cast Size
small
Ideal For
small cast, Regional Theatre, Professional Theatre, Small Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult Characters

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Teddy

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Frank Hardy

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Grace

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    The Abbey Theatre is Ireland’s national theatre, founded in Dublin in 1904 by W.B. Yeats and Lady Augusta Gregory. It became a central hub for Irish cultural identity and the Irish Literary Revival. The theatre continues to promote new Irish plays and dramatists

    The imaginary wall separating the audience from the actors onstage, often 'broken' for direct address. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.

    A literary device where the intended meaning differs from the literal meaning, often creating contrast or humor. Irony is used in theatre to provoke thought or elicit reactions from the audience by highlighting contradictions in character behavior or plot outcomes.

    An extended speech delivered by a single character, either to another character or the audience. Monologues are used for character development and to reveal inner thoughts.

    A recurring element, such as a symbol, image, or phrase, that reinforces a play’s themes. Motifs help unify the structure of a work and deepen its symbolic meaning.

    A short play presented in a single act without intermission, ideal for festivals, student productions, or concise storytelling.

    An object, character, or element used in a play to represent a deeper meaning or theme beyond its literal definition.

    A Tragedy is a form of drama that explores human suffering, conflict, and loss, often leading to a disastrous or fatal conclusion. Traditionally, the main character experiences downfall due to a personal flaw, poor judgment, or forces beyond their control. Tragedy aims to evoke pity and fear in the audience, leading to reflection and emotional release. Categories: Dramatic Genre, Greek Theatre, Themes

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher