Sive

"Sive" by John B. Keane

Sive is a young, beautiful orphan living with her uncle Mike, his wife Mena, and her grandmother, Nanna.

When local matchmaker Thomas Heen Seán Rua convinces Mike and Mena to marry Sive off to an older man, Sean Dóta, in exchange for £200, her future is sealed against her will. Heartbroken, Sive is forced to comply with her uncle and bitter aunt, despite her deep love for the young Liam Scuab.

Set in 1950s Ireland, Sive by John B. Keane explores themes of control, poverty, and defiance, illuminating rural Irish life's social tensions and moral struggles.

Since its debut in 1959, Sive has become a cornerstone of Irish theatre, celebrated for its raw portrayal of societal pressures and individual rebellion. John B. Keane’s work captures the harsh realities of tradition and authority, resonating deeply with audiences then and now.