The Plough and the Stars – Character Sketches by Sean
The Marsh Library in Dublin holds these lovely character sketches by Sean O’Casey for a German production in the 1930s. The sketches are coloured with watercolour and annotated by Sean.
The papers were donated to Marsh’s Library by the Guinness family, and they are held at the Benjamin Iveagh Library in Farmleigh House, Dublin.
Sean’s notes read, “Captain Brennan Irish Citizen Army. Below is uniform of the Irish Citizen Army. Dark green, slouch hat, caught up on the side with a small Red Hand – Badge of Labour Union – Bandolier, revolver, & holster.
An ordinary British Soldier’s uniform, Khaki, dyed a dark green would do well.
No leggings to be worn by Brennan.
Ordinary Civilian clothes would do, as per other sketch, but as he throws away his uniform when he escapes, & comes into the the last act, perhaps it would be well for him to wear a uniform in 1st, 2nd & 3rd acts such as the one in the sketch. SOC
Other sketches sent to H.E. Glass by Registered Post.”
From Marsh’s Library via a donation by the Guinness family
Sean’s notes read, “Peter Flynn (Uncle Peter) – in Forester’s Uniform.
Black top boots: black slouch hat with white ostrich feather; vivid green coat with tails; green & gold sash; white vest & white breeches; sword.”
From Marsh’s Library via a donation by the Guinness family
Sean’s notes read, “Lieutenant Langdon, Irish Volunteer. Grey Green uniform & putties – Brown boots; cap as above.”
From Marsh’s Library via a donation by the Guinness family
Sean’s notes read, “Captain Brennan, Civilian dress; muffler; Bandolier; tweed cap.”
From Marsh’s Library via a donation by the Guinness family
Sean’s notes read, “Commandant Clitheroe. Ordinary Civilian dress. brown leggings: Sam Brown belt, Revolver & Holster; Slouch Hat.”
From Marsh’s Library via a donation by the Guinness family
Sean’s notes read, “Forrester.
Black (referring to hat)
White (referring to scarf or shirt collar)
White (referring to vest or waistcoat)
Gold (referring to sash) ???
White (referring to breeches)
Black (referring to boots)”
From Marsh’s Library via a donation by the Guinness family
