Film & Theatre

 

Black ‘47

Set in Connemara, this major feature film follows a former British soldier from Connemara, played by James Frecheville, who returns to find his family and neighbours reeling from the effects of the Great Famine. The title is taken from the most devastating year of the famine, 1847, commonly referred to as ‘Black ’47’. The film features dialogue in both Irish and English, and features an ensemble cast including Stephan Rea, Barry Keoghan, Hugo Weaving and Jim Broadbent. It was awarded Best Film at the 2020 Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) awards.

 

Arracht

Set in Ireland in 1845, Arracht is a haunting Irish-language drama about grief and survival during the Great Famine. The film centres on fisherman Colmán Sharkey (Dónall Ó Héalaí) who takes in a former soldier (played by Dara Devaney) who arrives at the onset of the famine. Arracht was filmed entirely in Lettermullan, Connemara and won Best Irish Film at the 2020 Dublin International Film Festival.

 

The Hunger: The Story of The Irish Famine

Liam Neeson narrates this two-part documentary, a co-production of RTÉ, UCC and the European Culture Channel ARTE, which marked the 175th anniversary of the Great Famine. The landmark documentary explores the Famine’s international origins, development and legacy. The first episode outlines the social, political and economic conditions that allowed the famine to occur and charts the first three years of the crisis in Ireland and Europe. The second episode explores the latter stages of the famine, from its height in late 1847 to the legacy of emigration that shaped modern Ireland.

 

In the Midst of Plenty

This folk musical is set against the backdrop of the Great Hunger in Ireland in 1847, telling the story of the struggle faced by tenants on the Strokestown estate. The piece was written by singer-songwriter Amy Day and directed by Anne-Marie O’Sullivan of Enchanted Croí Theatre and explores themes such as Irish womanhood, family, and community. The story drew inspiration from the rich archives of the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park.