Nationalism in Irish Drama: Yeats, Synge and O'Casey

Anti-Nationalism can be defined as a disloyalty to one's own nation and a disregard for the beliefs it upholds, within this definition Nationalism can be seen as a sentiment fervently opposed to imperialism and colonialism. However, this becomes convoluted when held in relation to J.M. Synge's, Playboy of the Western World and in relation to 19 th century Ireland itself.

This study aims at discussing Synge’s Riders to the Sea, with a focus on Irish nationalism and cultural identity as two significant ways of resistance against the English cultural colonialism. Though many critics regard J.M. Synge as an example of a regional dramatist because his works are related to the local Irish material, this study; however, aims to correct this vision of Synge as only pertaining to Irish Celtic culture, but as an innovator of the Irish theatre and as a culturalist who shifted Irish theatre into a universal scope. Thus, though Synge's fame is due to his treatment of the "folk" drama; still, he finds in Ireland’s folk tales, myths, and traditional legends a rich source for universal interests. By tracing the reinforcement of the Irish setting and oral culture for a cultural function which aims at establishing the Irish identity and reviving its national heritage, the study argues that Synge's dramatic presentations were not only of regional or local value; but also, of international and cultural significance. That is though J.M. Synge introduces his theme in a local Irish context, with a focus on peasants; he was able to transform the Irish theatre from the local context to universality.
Index Terms—Riders to Sea, modern Irish theatre, J. M. Synge, naturalistic drama, nationalism and cultural identity

Haldun Taner’s play Epic of Keşanlı Ali is one of the most significant examples of the works with which it is aimed to bring the national identity to Turkish Theatre in just the same way as the plays of John Millington Synge, who is one of the founders of the Abbey Theatre established in Ireland to build up the national theatre tradition. Taner’s play suggests some of the basic principles of the Irish National Theatre which is considered to be among the most successful epitomes of the West in the 20th century. When examined in terms of scenario, character, plot, setting and language characteristics, The Playboy of the Western World, which obviously has several characteristics in common with the play Epic of Keşanlı Ali, has, of course, the evidential value that Synge has provided inspiration for Haldun Taner. In this context, the plays Epic of Keşanlı Ali and The Playboy of the Western World have been compared thematically and stylistically in this study.
John Millington Synge’s plays were staged at the Abbey Theatre. Since he cynically and severely criticized the Irish praising habit and glorification of ruthlessness, his plays led to a harsh reaction from the audience. The Abbey Theatre, however, gained international fame with Synge's plays. He is best known for his play The Playboy of the Western World that was staged on the opening of the Abbey Theatre.

Keywords: Synge, Irish National Theatre, Turkish National Theatre