The Well of the Saints

Play

Writers: John Millington Synge

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1905
Genres
Drama
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Rural Irish village, early 1900s
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes mature adult, adult, young adult, elderly characters

Synopsis

John Millington Synge’s The Well of the Saints tells the story of Martin and Mary Doul, a blind husband and wife who beg along the side of a village road. A traveling saint comes to the village, carrying water from the famous well of the saints. He heals the pair, returning sight to them. However, rather than being thankful, Martin turns scornful when he realizes that his wife was not the great beauty the villagers claimed she was. Mary retaliates and mocks her husband, and she is sent away from him. Before the play is over, Martin and Mary are blind once again, and must decide whether they will subject themselves to healing once again, or instead embrace humility and thankfulness in their darkened world.

Lead Characters


The Well of the Saints guide sections