Set on the banks of the Blackwater Co. Waterford, in the summer of 1666, Blackwater Angel is a fiction based loosely on the life of Plantation Irishman, Cromwellian Solidier and reluctant healer, Valentine Greatrakes. Returning from a triumphant visit to London, where he restores the blind to sight, the deaf to hearing and cripples to walk without crutches. Greatrakes is exhausted by and in awe of his gift and refuses to heal the hoards of afflicted who have overtaken his estate and clamour for this touch. The arrival of a company of English travelling players offers temporary diversion but when one of their number the foundling Angel Landy is struck down by a mysterious ailment Greatrakes is forced to confront the source of his unwanted gift. Blackwater Angel tells the story of miracles, loss of faith and the power of humanity to heal itself. The themes of loss and renewal resonate through the centuries, making it as relevant today as it would have been in Greatrakes' day.| 4 May 01 to 9 Jun 01 | The Abbey Theatre Dublin, Ireland Performance Details => Venue archive |
