The Donnellys

Synopsis: The Donnellys is based on Canada's most infamous true story. A story that has grown in the telling with each generation since the events that shook the little village of Lucan in 1880 and caused a sensation around the world. Why did the god-fearing residents of a small rural town rise up one night and slaughter an entire family as they lay sleeping? Why did a veil of silence descend over the town, so that even though forty sets of footprints were found at the scene, nobody was ever convicted of the murders? And why has the code of silence lasted to this day? The play sets out to answer these questions, going back into the blood-feuds of old Ireland and tracing the passions and hatreds that fueled this deadly tragedy.

Notes: This famous story has played at Canada's National Arts Centre, The Grand Theatre in London (ON) and many other theatres. The cast is large and variable. Great for students. Has an easy-play music score. Published by the Dundurn Press and the Playwrights Guild in Canada. Rights handled by the author in the US. For more info go to www.petercolley.com.