Minister and Minstrel : A Critical Analysis of the Plays of Jim Nolan

A professional playwright since 1985, Jim Nolan has written seventeen plays, thirteen of which have been professionally produced and five have been published. However, little academic research has been undertaken into his work. This thesis addresses this gap in research by providing a critical analysis of all of Nolan’s plays and examines the contribution that he has made to contemporary Irish drama. In assessing Nolan’s contribution to contemporary Irish drama, the thesis considers published and unpublished texts, critical analysis of the work of other contemporary Irish playwrights and theatre reviews. It contends that, though his work is expressive of similar concerns to playwrights such as Brian Friel and Thomas Kilroy, Nolan’s dramatic focus is unique and is driven by different concerns that merit consideration. The thesis argues that, through his exploration of social and political issues in the Waterford region, Nolan’s work provides a unique insight into the manner in which the prevailing social, economic and cultural conditions from 1956-2010 impacted upon the lives of working-class people. In particular, the study considers the theme of redemption which is manifest throughout the work. The dissertation argues that redemption is experienced by Nolan’s characters through sharing, or participating in an act of creative performance. The thesis is relevant to researchers interested in the value of regional theatre to contemporary Irish drama.