Cultural memory, step dancing, representation and performance an examination of tearmann and the Great Famine

This paper examines the concept of cultural memory and explores how it shapes and is shaped by theatrical representation and performance. To this end, the paper focuses on one historical and cultural event in Ireland, the Great Famine of 1845–1849, and examines its folk theatrical representation in the production, Tearmann (translated Refuge),1 produced by Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland. It also examines how dancing played an important role in the production and how it assisted in shaping, and being shaped by, cultural memories of the Great Famine. Keywords: Cultural memory, Great Famine, Ireland, step dancing, Siamsa Tíre, folk theatre