The forthcoming play Mammy’s House, written by Amy Clarke and featuring actor Derek Murphy, explores the previously untold history of the Irish queer community during the 1980s AIDS crisis. Supported by the Irish government’s Emigrant Support Programme, the production depicts the experiences of Irish migrants in London who faced the dual challenges of the epidemic and the social stigma of a shame-based culture back home.
How did the Irish experience of the AIDS crisis remain hidden?
According to actor Derek Murphy, the inspiration for the play began during the COVID-19 pandemic after he attended an online talk by Dr. Joseph Healy. Dr. Healy noted that while popular cultural depictions like the series It’s A Sin brought attention to the 1980s crisis, they notably omitted the Irish perspective. Despite the high number of Irish people living in London during that decade, there was a lack of recorded narratives, films, or plays documenting their specific struggle.
Research conducted by Murphy and Clarke revealed that at the height of the crisis, some London AIDS wards were comprised of 50% Irish patients. Many individuals had left Ireland because homosexuality was illegal at the time and there was no HIV/AIDS healthcare available domestically. Often, these men died in London hospitals, with families back in Ireland being told their loved ones had succumbed to “heart attacks” or “cancer” to avoid the social stigma associated with the virus.
In the early days of the crisis, some medical staff were so fearful of the virus that they refused to enter patient rooms. According to accounts shared by Bernard Lynch and referenced by Murphy, food trays were frequently left outside of rooms, often remaining untouched because patients were too weak to retrieve them.
What is the central narrative of Mammy’s House?
The play is set in 1985 in a queer Irish household in Camden. The lead character, nicknamed “Mammy” and played by Murphy, provides a sanctuary for Irish lodgers who have fled Ireland. As the story progresses, the house evolves from a home for runaways into a place of refuge for men suffering from HIV.
Writer Amy Clarke notes that the play aims to balance the tragedy of the era with the resilience of the community. “Irish people have a very distinct way of dealing with tragedy through humour,” Clarke explained. The script incorporates these moments of levity to reflect the reality of the characters’ lives before and during the onset of the crisis.
Why does the play highlight the role of the lesbian community?
While the AIDS crisis is often framed through the lens of gay men, Mammy’s House emphasizes the essential support provided by the lesbian community. Clarke explains that her script features a character representing the many lesbians who organized blood drives and stepped in to care for dying men when society and healthcare systems turned their backs. This aspect of the production draws on interviews conducted with figures like Dr. Joseph Healy and Bernard Lynch.
Pro Tip: Understanding the Research Process
The creators spent a year in research and development, collecting hours of footage from interviews. This process served as a cathartic experience for many survivors who had never been asked to share their stories publicly before. By documenting these accounts, the production team aims to provide the recognition that these individuals have long been denied.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will Mammy’s House be performed?
Who supported the development of this play?
The project received funding through the Irish government’s Emigrant Support Programme and has also been supported by a public crowdfunder.
Is this story only for an Irish or queer audience?
Have you discovered hidden histories in your own community? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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