New stage adaptation of Under the Hawthorn Tree at the MAC this Autumn

When their father goes to find work and their mother leaves to find him, Eily, Michael and Peggy, starving and faced with the workhouse, embark on a treacherous journey to find the great aunts they have heard of only in stories.
This remarkable story of endurance, in a defining moment of Irish experience, is told like never before in a new play by Charles Way, directed by Paul Bosco McEneaney with a stirring live original score from Garth McConaghie.

Author of the best-selling book Marita Conlon-McKenna said of the production, “I’m very excited about it being adapted for stage. I’m dying to see what Cahoots and the MAC do, and I’m dying to see how children and adults react to it. I’m looking forward to seeing Eily, Michael and Peggy and my family on stage, and all the different things they go through. It’ll be very emotional.”

Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC says, “We are delighted to be in partnership with National Museums NI to present Under the Hawthorn Tree, produced in Cahoots NI signature style. It is a remarkable story of hope and survival that has passed from generation to generation.”

This brand new theatrical production is perfect for families and children age 7+.

Under the Hawthorn Tree will be at the MAC from 27 September – 7 October.

Tickets for Under the Hawthorn Tree are on sale with availability for most performances.

Supported by National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

This dramatisation of UNDER THE HAWTHORN TREE is based on the book UNDER THE HAWTHORN TREE © text 1990 Marita Conlon-McKenna, published by THE O’BRIEN PRESS, DUBLIN. In association with National Museums Northern Ireland.