Overview
Synopsis
By the Bog of Cats is a haunting and lyrical retelling of the classical Medea myth. Tinker and bog resident Hester Swane has been jilted by Carthage Kilbride, the father of her child. As a further insult, she is being forced off of her land by Carthage and his new father-in-law, Xavier Cassidy. But Hester is crafty and full of vengeance. She will not be abused so easily by the men around her. A woman connected to the bog and the ominous superstitions that surround it, Hester seizes her own fate, violently claiming the land and family she believes belong to her. Full of both classical myth and Irish lore, By the Bog of Cats weaves the complex characters into a fateful march towards irrefutable destiny.
Show Information
- Book
- Marina Carr
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 1998
- Genres
- Drama, Tragedy
- Settings
- Contemporary, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- present day, Ireland Midlands, bog
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Includes Adult, Child, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Late Teen, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Female |
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Lead |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Featured |
Male |
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Songs
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
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
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Quizzes
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress