Characterisation, set design and title

Developing characterisation

Activity

Logbook activity

Explore why the lack of change int he characters creates the black comic moments on stage and write your findings in your logbook.
Creative a list of questions you wish to ask:
- Padraic
- Mairead
- Donny
- Davey
- Christy, Brendan and Joey
- James.

Hot seat

Play a game of 'Hot seat' with classmates and write down any worthwhile verbal responses.

Monologue

Create a detailed character analysis of one of the character's in the play.
Devise a one minute monologue about your character - incorporating some quotes from the play.

Discuss

What defines this play and the characters in it as an Irish one?

Set design

At the Signature Theatre in the USA the set featured a typical small cottage on the island oflnishmore off the west coast oflreland. There was a box of Frosty's cereal in the kitchen and photos of President John F. Kennedy, Pope Pius XII, an old stereo cassette player, and a little window above the sink. To the left of the cottage was an area used for other scenes which looked like the slate that could have come from the famous Burren area in Ireland (Adapted from Shubow, 2008, p.l). The London set was similar but it focused more on the brute physicality of existence and this was achieved through the lighting which did not shy away from the torture, brutality and carnage (Loveridge, 2001, p.2 ).

Activity

In groups of 4, create your own set design for the play.
Justify the reasons for all of your decisions. This could be created online, with butcher's paper, or as a model.

The title of the play

Activity

Peer discussion

Why is it called The Lieutenant of lnishmore and what does it mean? How does it relate to the play?
Why has Martin McDonagh dedicated this play to Pussy?

Logbook questions

What are the issues in The Lieutenant of lnishmore that categorise it as Black Comedy?
What are the forms, performance styles, conventions and techniques in The Lieutenant of lnishmore that make it a Black Comedy on the stage?
Why do some audience members laugh at The Lieutenant of Inishmore whilst others see nothing funny about it?
Does a play like The Lieutenant of Inishmore have a function and purpose in our society?

Home

References

Loveridge, L. (2001) The Lieutenant of Irishmore - A Curtain Up London Review. Retrieved 7th August 2008 from Curtain Up.
Shubow, C. (2008). Signature Theatre's 'The Lt. of Inishmore ' is Brilliant. Retrieved 13th January 2009 from Broadway World. http://dc/bropadwayworld.com/article/Signture Theatres The Lt of lnishmore 1s

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