Russell, Richard Rankin.Parker, Courtney Bailey.2012-08-082012-08-082012-052012-08-08http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8457This thesis considers the function of ritual and liturgy within four plays by Irish playwright Brian Friel—Philadelphia, Here I Come! (1964); Faith Healer (1979); Dancing at Lughnasa (1990); and Molly Sweeney (1994)—while paying special attention to how these more spiritual traits elegize not only the Irish experience, but also the theatre experience. In Philadelphia, Here I Come! and Dancing at Lughnasa, I argue that Friel advocates a household vision of spirituality, wherein the institutionalized forms of Catholicism find deeper significance once transposed to the confines of the home. My second chapter examines Molly Sweeney and Faith Healer in light of documentary theatre and how Friel uses the disparate communities in these two plays to ritualistically illustrate a representation of community that dramatizes the theatre itself.en-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Dramatic literature.ThesisWorldwide access.Access changed 1/13/14.