Sound and Music

The prisoners have heightened sensitivity to sounds around them. They hear execution shots, newspaper boys. Vigils & Rosaries take place both inside and outside prison. The Clamor of the prison itself - Singing, laughter & Squabbling of the inmates. References to Guigol play, shooting and screeching of cats, Prison guards running amok etc. Inner voice of Dorothy is also heard. External characters from past moments are communicated through voiceovers. Songs and music were chosen to add to the emotional power of key moments. Some Prisoner women play music – we hear Aggie on her melodeon during the transfer to Kilmainham. Prisoner Noreen Cogley sings at numerous points through the play, to which singer Sophie Coyle lends her voice. The transition into the final act lends itself to a heavy psychedelic song from the 60’s as Dorothy, given the gift of foresight, sees into the future during a convulsive fit. This is in keeping with the overall dramaturgical shape of the piece and in harmony with the opening monologue, where Dorothy appears as a spectral figure.
This folder contains a small sample of sound and music files from the show.

2022