Fast-paced Civil War drama puts women centre stage

Deirdre Kinahan’s new play sheds a welcome dramatic light on the women who fought for Irish ­independence. Two rebellious ­sisters — fiery Nell (Mary Murray) and sweet-hearted Alice (Caitríona Ennis)— embody the ­complicated arena where the subtleties of politics intersect with the vagaries of character. The War of ­Independence sees Alice working in the department of propaganda, and Nell an active Cumann na mBan member, sourcing arms and hiding soldiers. The treaty talks unfold and Ireland slips into civil war.