The Plough and the Stars
(El arado y las estrellas)
The whole adventure started about 10 years ago in Dublin, when my drama ensemble Firedoor Theatre was invited to read a few excerpts of Three Dublin Plays at the Sean O’Casey Theatre festival, held every September in the remarkable, soulful, and picturesque neighbourhood of East Wall. And I happened to be one of the actors taking part in the rehearsed readings.
I am beyond delighted to give Sean O’Casey his Spanish voice by translating this true treasure of Irish literature —The Plough and the Stars. My translation, the first ever in Spain, was released in November 2025.
As I confronted the classic for the first time and tried to make sense of its enigmatic phonetics and colourful expressions so characteristic of the popular Dublin sociolect, I fell in love with its rhythm, its poetry, the charming characters, and the beguiling depiction of a nation fighting for freedom —at a very high price. When I learnt that the play had never seen the light in Spanish, I knew I was on a mission.
Back in those days, I could hardly imagine that one day, my translation would see the light. After many failed attemps to find a publisher, thanks to Literature Ireland and Ybernia Books, El arado y las estrellas is now available to the Spanish audience.
The resonance has been remarkable too, with many prominent media outlets featuring the news:
- RTE Radio podcast
- Spain National Radio podcast
- December issue of The Final Draft (page 4), and Irish Writters publication.
- Online newspapers such as the Madrid Metropolitan, and the International Reporter.
I’m very much looking forward to be able to stage the play. So, if you are involved in the Madrid theatre scene of have contacts in the industry, I would love to hear from you.
