The Shadow of a Gunman is a 1923 tragicomedy play by Seán O'Casey set during the Irish War of Independence. It centres on the mistaken identity of a building tenant who is thought to be an IRA assassin. (Wikipedia)
Funny, tragic, political and down-to-earth, with insight into ordinary people trying to live out their ordinary lives in an extraordinary time in Irish history.
The most prominent theme of the play is the examination of the Irish War of Independence, and the pivotal events that occurred during the revolutionary war. In particular, the play explores the history of the IRA (Irish Republican Army) and the negative stigma that members carried, especially among loyalists.“The Shadow of a Gunman” shows us the real lives of the people living in the war zone that was Dublin during the War of Independence. War has lead people into lives full of poverty and fear.
Verdict: suitable for study at Junior Level although it may fail to hold the interest of some students.