Studying up before The Ferryman

I have tickets for The Ferryman in May. I'm the first to admit my background on The Troubles is shaky at best.

I know there's a timeline on The Ferryman's official site, but what other resources are good for getting up to speed on the history? I'm thinking a documentary, a podcast, a book, etc.

I read up a bit in advance and didn't think it really mattered all that much.

all i did was read the wikipedia page on it and I was fine. I agree with others you don't need to know much about the Troubles beforehand.

Fun Fact: I read this this thread title, and my tired brain thought it said "staying up before the Ferryman" and I was all prepared to launch into a list of tricks to stay awake during a long show despite having "stayed up" late the night before.

Jarethan said: "I loved The Ferryman, thought it was extraordinary theatre. Going into it, I knew nothing about the troubles, beyond what I saw in fictional movies over the years. It didn't make a difference. In fact IMO (and I may be in the minority here), the play was first and foremost about a large extended farming family just trying to get by in a period in which there was enormous unrest et al. When the Troubles were more front and center, you still didn't need to know anything about them, beyond what you heard from the actors, and the emotional impact they had on lives, the passion of those who had a more violent solution."ical

Agree. Though no doubt some people would prefer more of a historically informed context, I, who was in the same boat as Jarethan, found the play to be exquisite.

OP, I think you'll likely be fine without doing extended research. Just know that there's been a very long revolutionary movement for pan-Irish independence that's noble in spirit but at times oppressively corrupt in execution.

JBroadway said: "Fun Fact: I read this this thread title, and my tired brain thought it said"staying up before the Ferryman" and I was all preparedto launch into a list of tricks to stay awake during a long show despite having "stayed up" late the night before."

Okay, this gave me a good chuckle This is why I typically buy tickets in advance rather than rushing - it's tiring enough being in New York without adding an early morning onto it!!!

Thanks to everyone who weighed in. I still may read up, but it sounds like it's not necessary.

I went into The Ferryman completely cold and it was a thrilling experience. I'd advise everyone to do the same.