Frances Browne – In My Mind’s Eye

Presented in association with the inaugural Frances Browne Literary Weekend, In My Mind’s Eye is a play by Stranorlar playwright Shirley Anne Bonner, about the life and times of fellow Stranorlar writer, Frances Browne (1816–1879). Frances was to the fore in the mid 19c. literary world, writing many poems, novels, childrens’ books ( including Granny’s Wonderful Chair – a bestseller in its day) and newspaper articles. Shirley Anne’s play explores how Frances Browne’s intense imaginative inner life and creativity transformed into a magnificent artistic success.
Despite a lack of formal education, being blind from an early age, the limitations of her geographical isolation, the poverty and the (low) gendered expectations of her time, Frances Browne became a celebrity in her day, having left Donegal to further her career in the literary hotspots of Edinburgh and London.

Frances Browne – In My Mind’s Eye was first produced at the Balor Arts Centre in October 2016, as part of the Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival.

Tonight’s presentation will be followed by an Panel Discussion with author Shirley Anne Bonner, Dr. Charlotte McIvor ( NUI Galway Drama Department) and Rebecca Mairs ( Lyric Theatre, Belfast)