The Daughters of Róisín

About ‘The Daughters of Róisín’

The harrowing history of church and state-sanctioned abuse against unmarried women and their babies in Ireland is explored in Aoibh Johnson’s play, The Daughters of Róisín.

The one-woman show first saw its debut in Aoibh’s hometown of Coalisland, in Craic Theatre and Arts Centre in 2019. Directed by Cahal Clarke and written and performed by Aoibh, the production received rave reviews, which inspired the duo to bring the work across the globe to the Adelaide Fringe Festival, South Australia in 2020.

Writer Aoibh Johnson shared that she wrote this piece while studying Feminist Protest Theatre during her Master’s degree at Ulster University, Magee in Derry.

Aoibh commented, “I was studying Feminist Protest Theatre and I started to consider what I had to protest about as a young Irish woman. I was passionate about the use of historical archives and retelling stories that have been forgotten or overlooked. The story is inspired by a true event that occurred within my immediate family, however, it really is written for every woman and every baby that was forced to suffer the horrors of that long period of Irish history. The last Magdalene laundry closed in 1996, it’s such recent history.”

The play begins with a passionate recital of the poem, The Sons of Róisín, made famous by Dubliner, Luke Kelly. However, we soon realise this ghostly figure is more concerned with Ireland’s daughters. Through broken dialogue, song, poetry and ghostly silence, Aoibh Johnson takes us on a deeply emotional journey as we watch the demise of a young, pregnant woman forced to hide from society.

Theatre critic Marianna Meloni stated that the show was ‘Excellent’ and wrote, ‘The Daughters of Róisín is a heart-wrenching metaphorical drama. It’s a silent accusation at Irish society, with its Catholic backbone, for neglecting to look after its women, to pick them up when they’ve fallen. Seeing it just once might not be enough.”

Director Cahal Clarke shared, “Aoibh’s performance is a thrilling theatrical experience. Myself and Aoibh both understand that at times it can feel incredibly uncomfortable and unnerving for the viewer, however, it’s beautifully balanced with moments of tenderness and humour.”

Civil activist and leader, Bernadette Devlin McAliskey attended a recent performance of The Daughters of Róisín in early September of this year. She shared that the play and performance were, “Powerfully and brilliantly executed.” Bernadette also commented, “Believe me. This is more than special. This is inspired genius at every level. Don’t miss it.”

In 2024 the play was chosen as part of the Lyric Theatre and Pleasance National Partnerships Scheme, as Northern Ireland’s representative at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Following a fantastic run at The Pleasance Courtyard to sold out audiences the play received multiple five star reviews, as well as Aoibh being nominated for the Filipa Bragança Award for best female solo performance. The team are excited to bring the show to the ICC in London in March 2025.