Content Guide
for Drama Capstone Projects
MEAT
Directed by Peter Crighton
12/03/25-14/03/25
Samuel Beckett Theatre
Age Recommendation (based on IFCO Classification): 15A
Content “Traffic Signal”: Red (predictably challenging content is integral to the piece. Reading context matrix is strongly recommended.)
Context: MEAT aims to investigate one key question: “Are people naturally inclined towards violence, or do violent people act as a result of external influences?” The dramaturgy of this project is comprised of two main components: Roman Tragedy and “Kitchen Sink” Drama. It seeks to marry the Roman fascination with violence and gore –the main source being Seneca’s Thyestes – and the social disillusionment of the “Kitchen Sink.”
Approach:
Our approach to deal with the difficult and heavy subject matter has been supported by a number of safe-to-create practices. During the devising process, the cast has been given regular check-ins to ensure their wellbeing and have always been able to leave the room if needed. The goal of the rehearsals was to create a brave space that allowed the cast to spread their wings and work alongside the director and managers to explore the heavier themes present in the show.
Content Matrix:
Audience Care Plan:
Pre-Show: Content guide posted outside the theatre before the show; audience encouraged to engage with the guide on collection of tickets. Additional detail available as part of document and through discussion with front of house.
Mid-Show: Audience members may use the rear house left entrance door to leave at any point; after respite in the foyer space or nearby, re-entry from the same door is permitted.
Post-Show: The foyer will be open to all audience members post-show.
Resources:
We know that some of the topics confronted in the piece may bring up strong reactions, possibly after the night of the show. We encourage members of the community experiencing strong reactions to speak to someone they trust, to share their reactions with the creative team, or to draw on the free counselling resources listed below.
Text 50808, any time of day or night, for personal counselling support.
TCD students may contact the Student Counselling Service for free support. 3rd floor, 7-9 South Leinster Street, Trinity College, Dublin 2 Email: student-counselling@tcd.ie / Phone: +353 1 896 1407
Creative artists may use the Minding Creative Minds support service for engagement with trained counsellors familiar with the arts sector and its unique pressures. Contact form: https://mindingcreativeminds.ie/contact/ 24/7 Helplines:
ROI: 1800 814 244
NI/UK: 0800 0903677
International: 00353 1 518 0277
For matters relating to trauma and abuse, a range of free resources are available here: https://www.havenhub.ie/pages/trauma-abuse-supports
For matters relating to suicide, suicidal ideation or suicide risk: Samaritans services are available 24 hours a day, for confidential, non-judgmental support. Freephone 116 123, any time, or write to jo@samaritans.ie, or visit samaritans.ie
A full list of Irish mental health supports, helplines, and recommendations that target specific communities and experiences is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/supports-services/
Rich Description of Content (Warning: Spoiler Alert)
Child abuse – It appears that a child character’s hair is grabbed behind the cyc, and he is thrown down approximately 15 mins into the show. Death of child character behind cyc approx 25 mins into show. Cannibalism of child character and silhouette of child character hanging is shown approx 30 mins into show.
Animal death – It appears that an animal is killed behind the cyc approx 1 minute into the show, and there are descriptions of an animal eating its own young approx 5 minutes into the show. There is also prop animal meat onstage at all times (not real meat). Discussions of animal meat in context of butcher shop throughout show.
Violence - Mentions of murder approx 5 minutes into the show. Description of violent attack approx 20 mins into show. Description of drowning approx 20 mins into show. Prop knives are used.
Death - Mentions of the characters’ father’s death approx 3 minutes into the show. Death of child character behind cyc approx 25 mins into show. Silhouette of child character hanging with leg removed is shown behind cyc approx 30 mins into show.
Cannibalism - Approx 25 mins into the show, a character is shown eating a stew that is said to be made from another character. The character eating is not initially aware of this.
War - Mentions of war throughout the show. Description of war violence approx 20 mins into show.
Loud retching - approximately 30 mins into the show, a character makes retching noises loudly with sustained movements suggesting impending vomit, though none is shown.
Flashing lights - occur approx 25 mins into show.
Rich Description of entire show (spoiler alert):
Two estranged brothers, Allan and James, meet once again after years without contact. James, having abandoned Allan to a life of toil and misery, has come back to take Allan’s house and workplace from him. Over the course of the show, we learn more and more about their history, piecing together their relationship with each other and their complex relationship with their father. James’ interactions with his own son Tom inform us of the future of their family line.
As Tom and Allan (Nephew and Uncle) interact, we see a more sinister side to Allan. Ultimately the boy is dead, fed to his own father as Allan’s final cruel retribution against his brother.
Contact Details: If you have any questions or require additional support with the content of the production, please direct message @meat_capstone on Instagram or email beckett-theatre@tcd.ie. A “Long Table” opportunity to discuss the show’s dramaturgy and content and context is available on Thursday night after the show, in the Beckett Foyer, for 30 minutes.