Synopsis
The Hunger concerns itself with the Great Irish Famine of 1845-52, which transformed Irish society irrevocably. The main narrative in the piece is provided by the accounts of the famine by the American non-conformist Asenath Nicholson who spent two years travelling around Ireland helping those dying from starvation and writing about her experiences. Her account stands outside the norm because of her transgressive sympathy; she directly quotes from those suffering, and stayed in their cabins. Extremely little is available from those who directly suffered. Only the one song, “Na Prátaí Dubha” (“Black Potatoes”), of the sean nós tradition deals with the topic. Shards of that song form the basis of an extended section sung by the sean nós singer.
Alarm Will Sound Performances
December 11, 2014 – The Sheldon, St. Louis, MO
June 1, 2016 – Kennedy Center, Washington DC
September 17, 2016 – Touhill Performing Arts Center, St. Louis, MO
September 30/October 1, 2016 – BAM, New York, NY