Agnes on the Moon

A young woman with a vision. Privilege, or shackles? In a town ravaged by the Great Famine, science is her only solace, but lately she’s been feeling trapped. This Irish girl is about to change the course of astronomy forever. She just doesn’t know it yet.

Torn between what society demands, and what’s really inside her heart, she looks to the sky foranswers, but her imagination brings comedy and chaos in the form of some new friends:

A mischievous moon who would put Pulcinella to shame. A dandy with a heart warmer than a thousand suns. A confidante with caustic humour. And a diva from the North, who enhances and entrances all who dare to gaze upon her beauty.

Is Agnes losing her mind? Or is she really speaking to the heavenly bodies?

Be moved. Laugh ‘til your chairs grow legs. And be inspired by this Irish heroine. Agnes on the Moon, is a riotous homage to women in science, incorporating new writing drama with visual art and circus. Inspired by Skibbereen astronomer Agnes Mary Clerke, who, as a woman in Victorian Ireland, was often ignored by her community, only gaining true recognition in recent years. This play celebrates her life, in an exciting and contemporary context, exploring hope, class, desire, gender roles, and the power of self-belief.

Agnes on the Moon was written by Tzarini Meyler, who spent her childhood in Skibbereen, where she first became fascinated with Agnes. In 2022, she was awarded funding by DLR and the Arts Council Ireland for this play. This reading was supported by DLR’s General Arts Grant.

Running time:  90 minutes with no interval.  Suitable for age 12 +