Frigid Festival Previews

The Giant's Causeways

Author: Nora S. McLaughlin

Can the friendship between two boys, one Catholic, the other Protestant, stand up to the political, social and religious struggles surrounding them in Northern Ireland during the 60's and 70's? The Giant's Causeways takes the audience on an emotional journey through this friendship as the boys deal with death in many ways, figure out just how many Causeways there are and how many potatoes is a lot of potatoes.  It's a story with a touch of magic that's unique to Irish tales. Directed by Jill Harrison and featuring James Fauvell and Thomas Hodgskin.

The struggle of the Catholics in Belfast, Northern Ireland, particularly during a time they call, the Troubles, is echoed in conflicts throughout the world: equality of rights, regardless of race, religion or social status.  Though the roots of such struggles may differ, the effect on individuals, families and friends is universal.  How can Americans connect with a struggle that has gone on in Belfast, Northern Ireland for over 30 years?  The Catholics drew inspiration from Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement, a defining moment in American history both then and now.

I wrote this play based very loosely on a story that my father experienced on his return back to Belfast, where he grew up.  Writing and researching for this piece has been a four year journey into my family's history, the history of Ireland and what it means for me to be Irish.

Nora Sun McLaughlin, writer