Upstaged: Irish Drama in Irish (original) (raw)

The evolution of Irish drama in the native language has been overshadowed by its English counterpart, despite Ireland's rich literary heritage. The paper examines the paradox of late emergence of Irish-language drama, tracing its origins to amateur writers in the late 19th century and the socio-political implications of its performances, predominantly appealing to an urban middle class. The discussion highlights historical contexts, cultural expressions, and the challenges faced by playwrights, revealing the intricate relationship between language, identity, and theatrical representation in Ireland.