The Playboy of the Western World takes place over two days in the countryside of Ireland. A young man (Christopher “Christy” Mahon) enters, frightened and disheveled. He slowly reveals that he has killed his father - a story which makes him a celebrity in this small village. However, his heroic status is challenged when his murdered father arrives in the village. The Playboy of the Western World not only gives a glimpse into early 20th century Ireland, but also exposes the hypocrisy and danger of idolizing supposed criminals into celebrity status and the public breakdown when the truth is revealed.
The Playboy of the Western World guide sections