This paper aims to survey and re-evaluate the work of Northern Irish
writer, Stewart Parker, following the twentieth anniversary of his death in
November 2008. The paper takes into account work collected and published
in 2008 that had been previously available only in archives. The focus is
upon the alternative images of Northern Ireland that are to be found in
Parker’s dramatic writings. These alternative versions might be informally
divided into two categories: the work that deals with specific historical
events or moments, and the work which more generally addresses
conditions of existence in and attitudes to Northern Ireland. In both what
is of most consequence is personal experience and individual will to
transcend or survive the constraints of circumstance. It is this quality
which has led commentators to remark upon the humanistic and humane
tenor of Parker’s work and remains as captivating today as it did more than twenty years ago. The plays discussed include Spokesong, Northern
Star, Pentecost, The Iceberg, I’m a Dreamer Montreal, Iris in the Traffic,
Ruby in the Rain and Lost Belongings.
