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The Arts Council Playography Na Gaeilge

Plays

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Machinery

A Belfast Factory Play in Four Acts

OVERVIEW

  • Playwright

    Thomas Carnduff 

  • Setting

    Miller's Weaving Factory and Shankill Road, Belfast

  • Notes

    The extant archival typescript is incomplete; Act III appears to be missing. The outstanding synopsis details have been located in press cuttings.

  • Synopsis

    John Power, mill mechanic, is a recently-married talented inventor with the potential and employer backing to become an engineer. He thrives on his work until his new wife Nellie, a factory-worker, is killed in an industrial accident at her machine. In complete turmoil, Power rejects his talent and work, and becomes an unemployed drunk; Nellie's friend Jean struggles to save him from himself. Through her growing affection, Power comes to regain his faith in himself and technology, and eventually overcomes his fears to marry Jean and return to life and the factory again.

  • Play Type

    Plays General

    Number Of Acts

    Full-Length

  • Cast Size Male

    7

  • Cast Size Female

    4

Original Production

Original Cast  
Tom Stewart Charles Fagan
Jim McDowell William Crean
Nellie Power Norah Nairn
Jean McDowell Elma Hayward
Harry Dunn Dan Fitzpatrick
Jack Power Richard Hayward
Jane McDowell Charlotte Tedlie
McGlade Charles E. Owens
Production Team  
Director Richard Hayward
Producer J.R. Mageean
Stage Manager Dan Fitzpatrick
Business Manager M. Waring Neill

Unpublished Scripts

  • Contact

    Theatre and Performing Arts Archive of Northern Ireland

  • Address

    The Linen Hall Library, 17 Donegall Square North
    Belfast BT1 5GB
    Northern Ireland

Rights Information

Source Of Information