A World Premiere
in the W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre
By Ciara Ní Chuirc
Directed by Olivia Songer
With Ciaran Byrne, McKenna Quigley Harrington, Erica Hernandez, Daniel Marconi, and Briana Gibson Reeves
“this excellent one-act…a moving examination of love, faith, guilt, remembrance, and regret…Ní Chuirc’s dialogue finds the perfect tone” – Ken Marks, The New Yorker
“a provocative evening of societal and political theatre…[this] youthful cast bravely jumps into the story without reservation or fear.” — Talkin’ Broadway
“Erica Hernandez gives a performance from on high: spirited, reviving, charming and moving.” — The Irish Echo
Small town, Ireland, 1984; Ann, a fifteen-year-old girl, is found dead with her newborn baby in Our Lady’s Grotto at the edge of town. The tragedy rips Ireland apart and haunts it for years to come. Decades pass. American podcaster, Eva, travels to Ireland on a pilgrimage – of sorts. With her microphone in hand, she seeks to learn more about Ann and her final days, but her own secret past pursues her. She meets Michael, Ann’s boyfriend, and faith and feelings intertwine, as two strangers try to find peace.
Made by God features the true and tragic story of the 1984 death of Ann Lovett and her newborn baby in Granard, County Longford. Her pregnancy was reportedly unknown to all, including her family, and no social services were open to the pregnant teen. Shortly before Ann’s death, a referendum in Ireland established the 8th Amendment: deeming the right to life of an “unborn” equal to the life of a pregnant woman. In 2018, shortly after Made by God is set, the 8th Amendment was repealed by a referendum.
Written by New York-based Irish writer Ciara Ní Chuirc, Irish Rep is proud to produce the world premiere of Made by God. Ciara Ní Chuirc’s work has been produced in various theatres throughout the US and Ireland. She was a 2018 finalist and 2020 semifinalist for the National Playwrights Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center.
Please note, all eligible audience members must provide proof of a Covid-19 booster shot. Learn more here.
Read the performance program here!
Note: This production contains references to suicide, abortion, and drug misuse.
Made by God was part of Origin Theatre’s Fall New Works reading series, made possible by NYSCA’s Rapid Restart Program.
