Sean O'Casey stands as one of the most influential voices in Irish drama, a playwright who gave the struggles of the Irish working class a powerful voice. His plays are celebrated for their portrayal of the complexities of human nature, of the devastation of war, and of the harsh realities of life in Ireland during a time of great upheaval. His unique blend of tragedy and comedy capture both the resilience and the vulnerability of the human spirit.
Published in 1928, The Silver Tassie is a fine example of O'Casey’s ability to innovate and challenge the conventions of theatre. Subtitled “A Tragi-Comedy in Four Acts,” the play tells the story of Harry Heegan, a charismatic footballer who leaves for the First World War only to return paralysed, his once-bright future destroyed by the horrors of the battlefield.
The play’s structure is as daring as its themes. The second act, set in a surreal, symbolic war zone, departs from naturalism entirely, with soldiers singing and chanting in a grim dance of death. This shift shocked audiences and marked O'Casey as a playwright willing to push artistic boundaries. In contrast, the first and final acts, grounded in the everyday life of Harry's community, highlight the tragic chasm between the ordinary and the extraordinary, the domestic and the catastrophic.
O'Casey’s portrayal of war is both haunting and compassionate. The title, The Silver Tassie, references an old Scottish song celebrating life and camaraderie—a stark contrast to the broken dreams and bitterness that permeate the play.
Although initially met with controversy, The Silver Tassie is now recognized as a groundbreaking work that redefined Irish drama. O'Casey’s departure from traditional storytelling forms paved the way for modern theatre, influencing subsequent generations of playwrights who sought to challenge audiences with complex narratives and bold staging.
Sean O’Casey’s broader body of work, including his renowned Dublin Trilogy (The Shadow of a Gunman, Juno and the Paycock, and The Plough and the Stars), remains a testament to his profound empathy and sharp social critique. His plays offer timeless insights into the struggles of ordinary people caught in the crosswinds of history.
For collectors and theatre enthusiasts, owning a first edition of The Silver Tassie is an opportunity to connect with a pivotal moment in literary and theatrical history. At pash.ch, we are proud to offer a rare first edition copy of The Silver Tassie, published by Macmillan and Co. in 1928. Bound in its original cloth-backed boards with a printed paper label, this edition is a rare and valuable piece for any literary collector.
Don’t miss the chance to own this remarkable piece of theatre history.
