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Overview
Synopsis
Considered a masterpiece from one of Ireland’s greatest playwrights, A Whistle in the Dark is a raw family drama and a seminal example of the Angry Young Men literary movement of the 1950s. The play centers on the Carneys, a brutish Irish family with a propensity for crime and violence, and the escalating tensions within it. At issue is the future of the youngest son, Des. Elder brother Michael is determined to help Des escape the family and realize his potential, while father Dada and his three other sons insist on toughening Des up and preparing him for a life of violence. A Whistle in the Dark is a challenging play that paints a scathing portrait of Irish immigrants as perceived by the English. It offers challenging roles for strong male actors who can embody the characters’ brutishness and physical violence.
Show Information
- Book
- Tom Murphy
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 1961
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A house in Coventry, England., 1960s
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Ideal For
- Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, College/University, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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
The first Irish national theatre to open in December 1904.
A group of young British playwrights whose work realistically depicted the struggles of the lower class.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright