The Train is a fictional celebration of actual events surrounding the legendary Contraceptive Train, the remarkable media coup orchestrated by the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement in 1971 that changed the social landscape of Ireland. Determined to challenge the restrictive laws of the Irish State, a group of 47 trailblazing women take a train to Belfast and return to Dublin with forbidden contraceptives.
This watershed moment in Irish social and political life is joyously captured by Arthur Riordan’s sharp satire and Bill Whelan’s dynamic score. The Train explores a short journey which marked the beginning of a modern odyssey.
World Premiere in the Lime Tree, Limerick in October 2015, followed by performances as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival in the Project Arts Centre.
The Train was performed in the Abbey Theatre Dublin, and the MAC Belfast in 2017.
