J.M. Syngeâs âThe Well of the Saintsâ is a three-act darkly comedic play that explores themes of myth, vision and journeys.
Two blind beggars, Martin and Mary Doul, are cured of their blindness by a passing saint. Unable to reckon with the ugliness of a world they have never seen, their relationship is torn apart by their new gift. Now able to integrate into society, they try and live as they have always wanted to, only to be met with cruelty at every turn.
âThe Well of the Saintsâ is a hilarious and thought-provoking play that will enrapture fans of Irish literature or comedy. A cross between âWaiting for Godotâ and âTrading Placesâ, âThe Well of the Saintsâ is a dark delight to be enjoyed by all.
Edmund John Millington Synge (1871 â 1909) was an Irish poet, playwright, and defining figure of the Irish Literary Revival. Born in County Dublin to upper-middle-class Protestants, Synge suffered from Hodgkinâs disease which led to his home-schooling. Soon after graduating from Trinity College Dublin, Synge became a renowned poet and playwright, but his success was short-lived as he passed away from cancer at 37.
He is best remembered for his play âThe Playboy of the Western Worldâ, an incredibly controversial work at the time of its publication and performance. Regarded by Yeats as âthe greatest dramatic genius of Irelandâ, Synge has had a lasting legacy, being a key influence for acclaimed Irish playwright Samuel Beckett and the subject of Joseph OâConnorâs novel âGhost Lightâ (2010).