Publisher: Nick Hern Books
Five women reflect on their lives as prostitutes on the streets of Dublin. Deirdre Kinahan's short play Bé Carna: Women of the Flesh is a dark tale inspired by true-life stories, reverberating with humanity, warmth and comic humour. It was first staged by Tall Tales theatre company at Andrews Lane Theatre, Dublin, in 1999.
LibriVox volunteers offer you 9 different recordings of Going down Hill on a Bicycle by Henry Charles Beeching. This was the weekly poetry project for the week of April 25th, 2010.Show book
The language of Poetry is an art that most of us attempt at some point in our lives. Although its commonplace exposure has been somewhat marginalised in today’s often fast-paced lives we all recognise good verse that can empathise with our thoughts or open us up to experience new things in new ways, to better understand and to enjoy the many strands of our lives. But finding a starting point can be overwhelming, even off-putting, so in this series we offer up our Top 10 classic poets, who brim with talent and verse, on a range of subjects and themes that we can all enjoy. The United States may be far younger than many nations on Earth, yet its tumultuous history has reaped a harvest of poets and poetry of very fine calibre. In this volume we explore the verse of New England.Show book
1917: World War One is raging in Europe. In Britain, Sterling Ladies – known as the Dagenham Invincibles – are playing to win. For two whirlwind seasons, they never lose a game. Yet once peace is restored, the factory girls must hang up their boots and see triumph fade into obscurity. 2023: Injured footballer Maya follows England's progress through the Women's World Cup. The world has changed, yet the roar of the Lionesses echoes the Invincibles' war-cry. Watching at home, Maya fears she'll never play again – but as she loses herself in the present, she hears the call of the past and finds fresh hope for the future. Amanda Whittington's play The Invincibles celebrates two generations of inspirational women, and their adventures on the football pitch a century apart. It was premiered at Queen's Theatre Hornchurch in 2023, and offers rich opportunities for other theatre companies looking to score a hit with their audiences.Show book
This anthology of eleven stirring tales, composed in melodic rhyming couplets, sweeps readers into a realm where myth intertwines with romance across diverse landscapes: from the Peruvian Amazon to the plains of Africa, the vastness of the Pacific to the spiritual heights of Tibet. Each narrative celebrates the wild, noble beasts that champion the cause of their land: wolves liberating Athens, pumas safeguarding the Amazon, bears emancipating prisoners in wartime Germany, and more. These creatures not only symbolize the spirit of their homelands but also the myths and history embedded within, now imperilled by relentless modernization. Scott’s weaves a poetic tapestry reminiscent of Coleridge’s ‘Ancient Mariner,’ Kipling’s ‘Just So Stories,’ and the adventurous spirit of Patrick Leigh Fermor, all while channelling Mary Pope Osborne’s fascination with myth. It’s a literary mosaic, unparalleled in ambition, which speaks eloquently to the urgency of preserving our world’s cultural and ecological richness. The stories, though they grapple with themes of loss and environmental decay, also ignite hope for spiritual rebirth and the triumph of nature’s indomitable heart.Show book
LibriVox volunteers bring you 18 recordings of A Poe-em of Passion by C. F. Lummis. This was the Weekly Poetry project for March 17, 2013, and is an amusing parody of Poe's Annabel Lee.Show book
A spellbinding tale of magic, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption, The Tempest is one of William Shakespeare's most imaginative and poetic plays. Set on a mysterious island filled with enchantment and hidden dangers, this late romance blends drama, fantasy, and profound reflection into a story that continues to captivate audiences across centuries. At the center of the play is Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, who was betrayed by his brother Antonio and cast adrift at sea with his young daughter, Miranda. Stranded on a remote island, Prospero has mastered the art of magic and commands the spirit Ariel, along with other mystical forces. When fate brings his enemies within reach—sailing near the island—Prospero conjures a violent storm that shipwrecks them on its shores. As the castaways struggle to survive and make sense of their strange surroundings, Prospero carefully orchestrates events to confront his betrayers and restore justice. Meanwhile, Miranda encounters Ferdinand, the son of the King of Naples, and the two fall deeply in love, offering hope for reconciliation between once-divided families. Through its richly layered narrative, The Tempest explores themes of power, illusion, freedom, revenge, and forgiveness. Prospero's journey from anger to mercy lies at the heart of the play, raising timeless questions about authority, control, and the true nature of strength. The character of Caliban, the island's original inhabitant, adds further depth to the story, prompting reflection on colonialism, identity, and belonging. Often considered Shakespeare's farewell to the stage, The Tempest carries a tone of reflection and resolution. Its lyrical language and imaginative setting create a world where the boundaries between reality and enchantment blur, and where transformation becomes possible. Enchanting, thought-provoking, and deeply human, The Tempest remains a masterpiece of dramatic literature—a magical exploration of loss and reconciliation, and a powerful reminder that forgiveness can be the greatest act of all.Show book
