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'A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall’ Banteer Drama Group Tackle Controversial Play
By TADHG CURTIN
Of all his works, John B. Keane’s The Rain at the End of The Summer seems to be his most unknown. Indeed, when asking my father, a John B. Keane fan, had he ever seen the play performed, his answer was not only had he not seen it, he had never heard of the play. The reason for this becomes apparent when looking at the play’s controversial subject matter.
Released in 1968, its story is set during an exceptionally hot Irish summer. It deals with an unplanned pregnancy that brings disorder to the otherwise amicable O’Brien household. The various characters are torn apart by their beliefs in the best way to deal with the pregnancy.
A scenario like this was – and still is – familiar to many. If one was lucky to be wealthy, the problem could be sorted in England but we’re all aware of how a lot of women were treated here in the 20th century when it happened, the Magdalene Laundries still cast a shadow.
Society’s attitudes have thankfully changed but this was one of the biggest taboos over half a century ago. This is why the play may not have been staged with such frequency as John B.’s other works. The subject proved just too much in an era still tinged with a puritanical attitude to the sanctity of marriage and sexual liberation. It hits hard in places. It shines a light on human frailty and its flaws. The grand notion of the class system; the upper-class not only looking down on the working class but treating them with such disdain. Audiences will certainly be in for a wild ride.
Director Tadhg O’Keeffe noted there are number of scenes and phrases that will shock audiences. An interesting night is guaranteed. There’s definitely a storm coming.
The Rain at the End of the Summer will have its first run of performances on Sunday, March 17th and Monday March 18th in the Glen Theatre, Shronebeha, Banteer, Co Cork. Eircode: P51 NX28.
To book tickets, phone 029 56239 or 087 755 8752
