SF Bay Area Premiere
Eclipsed
by Patricia Burke Brogan
Wilde Irish Productions
“Eclipsed ... is one of those rare theatrical experiences so
profoundly moving that some scenes will tear your heart out.” “The
power of Wilde Irish’s production is due to the confluence of Gemma Whelan’s
sure-handed direction and a top-notch cast ...”
Contra Costa Times
“... Gemma Whelan’s sharp direction and admirable
ensemble acting mark Wilde Irish Productions’ engaging Bay Area premiere.”
SF Bay Guardian
“... cada una de estas actrices es brillante, emocional e impactante. Hacen
sentir en carne viva sus desesperación, su pena, transmiten amor y alegría,
a pesar de las condiciones en que viven. La dirección de Gemma Whelan
es realista y presta mucho detalle a lo mínimo, los movimientos, el
texto, la transmisión del pensamiento del texto original.”
SF Tribune
Photo by Adam Liberman
A harrowing play about the Magdalenes, the women who
were confined to the “penitent women’s laundries” in Ireland from
the 1850’s to the 1990’s.
Author Patricia Burke Brogan was the first to
bring to light the story of the women who were incarcerated in the Magdalene
laundries in Ireland. After the potato famine of the 1840’s, the church,
in conjunction with the state, set up these facilities to
house and care for “fallen” women. The power of the Catholic Church
was so strong that parents, consumed with shame, sent their daughters away,
ostensibly for the good of their souls.