This Lime Tree Bower

This Lime Tree Bower is an early play by Conor McPherson. The title is taken from the poem of the same name by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Originally produced and directed at the Crypt Theatre Dublin by the author himself, it later transferred to the Bush Theatre London. Conor McPherson has won Evening Standard Award for ‘Most Promising Playwright’ 1997 Outer Critics Circle Award for ‘Best New Play’ 1998–1999 Olivier Award for ‘Best New Play’ 1999.

Plot summary

The play is an account of coming of age in small town Ireland, told by three young men. The central characters are Joe, the youngest, who is bored with school and looking for adventure. His brother Frank is working full-time in the family chipper hatches “his great plan” to solve all the family’s troubles. Lastly, their friend Ray the debauched university lecturer who is dating their sister Carmel.^[1]

Film

Conor McPherson turned this play into a movie called Saltwater which he also directed. The film starred Brian Cox and was shot in Dublin. Saltwater won the CICAE award for best film at the Berlin International Film Festival.

References