Malachy McKenna’s “The Quiet Land” opens this Friday May 10th and runs through Sunday May 12th

Milwaukee Irish Arts presents founding members John Gleeson and Eamonn O’Neill as Nashee and Eamonn respectively, two elderly farmers who meet at a clearing on the hillside between their homes.

With a wonderful blend of humor and pathos, ‘The Quiet Land’ is a celebration of life, resilience and the endearing innocence of an exiled generation as it struggles to survive in the isolated rural Ireland of today. It’s a real test of their lifelong friendship and is the author’s heartfelt tribute to a rare breed of forgotten men who live ‘a long way in off the road’.

The Irish Times’ “The Quiet Land” review: lament for a disappearing Ireland

“This is no country for old men, such as Eamon and Nashee, in Malachy McKenna’s sensitive new play about a very Irish decline. Meeting each other at a gate between their farms, Nashee and Eamon seem to haul around a lifetime worth of baggage, some of which McKenna uses to allude forcibly to the Irish theatrical canon. Nashee, for instance, holds a bullhook, reminiscent of Christy Mahon’s loy, while Eamon, his head in bandages after a recent attack, could have been its target, himself sporting a hurl that he uses as a crutch.”

Cast:

Nashee: John Gleeson
Eamonn: Eamonn O’Neill

Crew:

Director, Set and Sound Design: James J Gallagher
Set construction: Lindsey Gagliano, Barry King
Lighting: Jason Fassl
Artistic Director: John Gleeson
Administration: Pam Kissinger

The play will be presented at CelticMKE on the following dates:

Friday, May 10 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, May 12 at 2:00 PM

CelticMKE is located at 1532 N Wauwatosa Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213 (Map). There is parking right next door on Friday and Saturday evening. Street parking is available close by on Sunday.

This is a “pay what you can” play. We are accepting donations of your choice to see this play. We ask that you register at our ticketing site – thequietland.eventbrite.com