Jan 2018 marks the 250th anniversary of Maria Edgeworth’s birth. Born on Jan 1st, 1768 in Oxfordshire, Maria was the eldest daughter of Richard Lovell Edgeworth – a prominent Anglo-Irish landlord, writer, engineer, educationalist and member of Grattan’s Parliament from 1798 to its dissolution in 1801.

After attending boarding school in England, Maria moved permanently to her father’s estate at Edgeworthstown Co. Longford, where she assisted her father with estate affairs and pursued a writing career.

Her published works include children’s stories, studies on education (often written in conjunction with her father), and novels. Published in 1800, Castle Rackrent is a witty satire on the effects of the feudal system in Ireland and considered to be the first historical novel.

Pronounced by W.B. Yeats to be “one of the most inspired chronicles written in English”, Castle Rackent offers a wry glimpse into the demise of the corrupt Rackrent dynasty, told by the ‘loyal’ family servant Thady Quirk.

A Rehearsed Reading of

Castle Rackrent

by

Maria Edgeworth

In a version adapted and directed by Róisín Mee

The rehearsed reading features a cast you won’t want to miss!

Philip Gleeson,

Ian Blackmore,

Tim Casey,

Sonia Lavelle,

Nessa Power,

Martin O’Connor,

Noelle Timmons,

Eoin Ó’Seaghdha

and Colin Carpenter.

Gerardine Meaney, Professor of Cultural Theory, UCD, will  join a panel discussion afterwards.

No prior booking for rehearsed readings.

Patrons are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.