The Breffni Players present Seán O’Casey’s The Shadow of a Gunman

After their thrilling sell-out run of Dial M for Murder in February, The Breffni Players are back with a production that promises to captivate audiences once again: Seán O’Casey’s The Shadow of a Gunman, directed by the talented Noel O’Callaghan, from 27 to 29 November 2024.

Longtime Breffni Players’ resident director, Angus Dunne, initially chose the play but had to step back due to health issues. “Angus asked if I would step in,” O’Callaghan explains. “I was originally penciled in to stage manage, so I was already committed, and that’s how I ended up directing this play.”

For O'Callaghan, the journey into theatre began back in the ’90s while working in London’s civil service. "I joined a drama group for confidence with presentations,” he says, “but I fell in love with theatre.” Though not his first experience in the director's chair, O'Callaghan admits the Breffni Players’ amateur status means directing can be quite demanding. “We often don’t have the luxury of a dedicated producer, so things like PR, programs, posters, and logistics fall on us. It’s a lot to pull together, but I enjoy it."

Originally penned in 1923, The Shadow of a Gunman was O’Casey’s sixth play submitted to the Abbey Theatre and marked a significant moment in Irish theatre as the first of his works to be produced there. Set against the turbulent backdrop of the Irish War of Independence, this remarkable play skillfully weaves together threads of both tragedy and comedy, creating a rich tapestry of emotion and insight.

The Breffni Players have a longstanding tradition, dating back to their formation in the 1940s. “We have around 50 members, though only about 15 are active at any given time,” O'Callaghan shares. “Angus, who’s 98 now, has been with the group longer than anyone. He’ll be down tomorrow to check the set. He’s still so sharp and helps keep our legacy alive.”

In closing, O’Callaghan notes that while The Shadow of a Gunman is set in the Irish War of Independence, O’Casey’s play is truly timeless. "It’s a very character-driven play, funny even, with unique Dublin humor. Though set in the 1920s, the themes are universal, and it could be staged in any time or place. It’s really a social commentary more than a period piece.”

Shadow of a Gunman captures a pivotal moment in history, but through the skilled direction of Noel O’Callaghan and the dedication of The Breffni Players, its message is brought forward to resonate anew with today’s audiences.