The Cripple of Inishmaan

Premiere: September 19, 2009
Translated by: Małgorzata Semil
Direction, text development and musical arrangement: Iwona Kempa
Set: Grzegorz Policiński
Costumes: Anna Sekuła

One of the inspirations to write “Cripple of Inishmaan” was an authentic event – making of a documentary film about the life of the residents of the Aran Islands. In 1934, Robert J. Flaherty filmed “Man of Aran”.
The heroes of the play are people living in Inishmaan, one of the Aran islands – gossip Johnnypateenmike, his mother, his sister Helen and brother Bartley, Billy’s foster aunts – Kate and Eileen, the cutter owner – Babbybobby and a doctor. One day, a film crew from Hollywood arrives to the neighboring island Inishmore. Residents are excited about the news of the arrival of the American film crew. Several people go for the casting, hoping that they can get rid of the monotonous insular reality.
McDonagh uses absurd humor and emphasizes the comedy of his characters. He thoroughly portrays people, creates a gallery of full-blooded characters who, under the guise of roughness, are full of warmth, sometimes funny, cruel, terrible, stupid. They are also sometimes being smart and sensitive. They are looking for love and acceptance, they want to escape from the dullness of everyday life.
In 2002, Iwona Kempa staged the “Lonesome West” by Martin McDonagh at the Wilam Horzyca Theater, which enjoyed great success and was performed for almost six seasons.
Starring: Aleksandra Lis, Ewa Pietras, Teresa Stępień-Nowicka, Wanda Ślęzak (guest), Radosław Garncarek, Łukasz Ignasiński, Sławomir Maciejewski, Niko Niakas, Grzegorz Woś.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (without a break)