Celebrating the work of one of Ireland's most daring theatre companies, this anthology gathers five plays by established and emerging playwrights. They include vibrant new adaptations of the world classics Peer Gynt and Phaedra alongside vital new dramas that explore issues of urgent contemporary concern, such as sex and sexuality, emigration and climate change. With contributions from Hilary Fannin and Ellen Cranitch, Arthur Riordan, Sonya Kelly, Morna Regan, and Shane Mac an Bhaird - as well as a foreword from Booker Prize-winning novelist Anne Enright - this book is an exciting snapshot of contemporary Irish playwriting.The book operates as a showcase of outstanding new Irish playwriting, blending work by established and emerging playwrights, and also acts as a celebration of one of Ireland's most important theatre companies. And it includes new plays that demonstrate Rough Magic's consistent willingness to push the boundaries of Irish theatre, both formally and thematically, in plays that cover such topics as sex and sexuality, emigration and climate change.This edition contains a foreword by Anne Enright, Booker prize winner and Laureate of Irish Fiction.

Features introductions written by the authors themselves giving an insight into the creative process

Introduction by Patrick LonerganPreface by Lynne Parker from Rough Magic Theatre CompanyForeword by Anne EnrightEach play is prefaced by an introductory essay by each of the playwrights.Phaedra by Hilary Fannin and Ellen CranitchPeer Gynt by Arthur RiordanThe House Keeper by Morna ReganHow to Keep an Alien by Sonya KellyMelt by Shane Mac an Bhaird