"Within the last ten years there has been a renaissance in Irish drama from both sides of the border, including work which has transferred to London and New York, touring Britain, Europe and Australia. This book explores the dynamics of the relationship between these representations of Ireland, and the fluid nature of cultural identity within a post-colonial context, especially during this current period of economic and political change." "The thematic structure reveals a reoccurrence of ideological concerns and dramatic strategies. These are framed by initial discussion of plays by now canonical figures such as Brian Friel, Frank McGuinness and Tom Murphy, but the book's emphasis lies with work by recent writers, especially that performed during the 1990s." "Since physicality of performance is central to this approach, informed by postcolonial theory, feminism and psychoanalysis, this book draws upon interviews with writers, performers, directors and groups, as well as productions seen in different venues. While the relationship between Ireland and Europe is considered in terms of cultural and economic influences and performance practices, that between Ireland and America is seen in terms of 'the dream of the West', the diaspora, tourism and globalisation." -- Book jacket.