Over 4,000 Irish “orphan” girls were shipped to Australia under the pretense of a better life during the Irish Famine. Lord Earl Grey the Protectorate of Ireland during the 1840’s arranged to ship young orphans as potential brides to the wilds of Australia. However, many of these orphan girls were not who they seemed to be. The story is one that resonates even now 150 years later. A story of misogyny, human trafficking and abuse of women’s rights.
Ghostlight Theatre Troupe will present the Pittsburgh premiere of award-winning playwright, Jaki McCarrick’s “Belfast Girls,” with Cassidy Adkins, Elizabeth Glyptis, Jenny Malarkey, Sara Williams and Val Williams. Directed by Rich Kenzie and co-directed by Samantha A. Camp.
Escaping the Irish Famine in 1850, five young women seek passage on a ship to Australia. For many of the “orphan girls” on board, the voyage offers a fresh start. But some girls find they cannot escape the memory of the lives they have left behind – and the closer they come to Australia the more powerful the past becomes.
“We are thrilled that we were able to obtain the rights to this wonderful production” stated Rich Kenzie, Founder and Artistic Director of Ghostlight Theatre. “This is a true story that has been lost to history, and the themes still ring true today. It is an important story to tell and hopefully learn moving forward.”
“Belfast Girls” runs from October 25 through Sunday October 29 at the Carnegie Stage, 25 W. Main Street, Carnegie, PA. For more information, click here.
Excited to see BEFAST GIRLS on the stage. Sounds like it will be very interesting.