Henhouse explores the breakdown of a family against the background of civil war, as those on the sidelines of a conflict feel its effects. At its heart it poses a simple question: how can we live together? The play draws on Kaite's experiences in frontline towns during the war in former Yugoslavia, but this could be Chechnya, Palestine or ‘the next big thing'. Our awareness of wars is dominated by news of the soldiers and their loved ones, but it is civilians who bear the brunt of modern warfare. What happens to those just trying to live their lives, how do they hold onto normality?


First production
21st of September 2004
Arcola Theatre
London

Director Bill Hopkinson
Writer Kaite O'Reilly
Designer Bronia Housman
Light, Sound Chris Barham
Cast Eileen Pollock, Gary Lilburn, Terry O'Brien, Celyn Jones, Kate Drew


Published by
Oberon Modern Plays (September, 2004)
ISBN 1-84002-509-3
The published script is available through the website priced £4.50, which includes p&p.
E-mail for details.




back to top