Lafracoth Illumined

Dr. Matthew Galvin

Matthew Galvin’s love for Ireland and research, as well as a lifelong interest in philosophy, led him to Lafracoth’s name, obscurely written within medieval Irish records. Lafracoth’s brief mention alongside the description “wanton woman” inspired Galvin’s mission to provide Lafracoth with a better story, and this how The Lyric of Lafracoth came into being.

The Lyric of Lafracoth:

A medieval historical fiction in dramatic form for older adolescents and adults, this verse play depicts a person of conscience in early 12th century Ireland. This work is intended for late adolescents and adults who have either acquired or are engaged in higher education. The author envisions uses in classrooms, drama and book clubs in which conscience sensitive character analyses and discussions of moral life in and out of religious contexts are deemed worthy of pursuit.

Original copy found here:
The Lyric of Lafracoth

Propel New Works first aligned with playwright Matt Galvin in 2019 when he introduced Angeline Larimer to his verse play The Lyric of Lafracoth. Five years and several collaborative projects later, Lafracoth made it to the stage as a professional staged reading sponsored by Propel New Works, Medical Humanities and Health Studies of Indiana University School of Liberal Arts, and the Indiana University Conscience Project.

The Lyric of Lafracoth was adapted as Lafracoth Illumined by Galvin & Larimer. The goal of the Lafracoth Illumined adaptation was to shape Lafracoth’s epic story within a more stageable window of time, and to include theatre and non-theatre professionals in the new play development process as well as the academic staged reading. Both Galvin and Larimer have a shared interest in using theatre as an educational tool to facilitate necessary discussions, while at the same time both appreciate the deepening of understanding for those who participate in the playwright’s process . This collaboration took nearly five years, and brought together an impressive group of scholars and performers. The staged reading was performed on March 1st, 2025 at the Basile Theatre inside the Indiana Historical Society. The play was directed by Professor Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha.

(Professor Elizabeth Nelson, Indiana University Indiana, above with her book Who Would Believe a Prisoner.)

Dr. Nelson introduced playwrights Matt Galvin and Angeline Larimer to critical fabulation, an academic term coined by Saidiya Hartman which concentrates on bringing forward history’s suppressed or omitted voices by using scholarly research methods to fill in the gaps of history. She also generously offered advice as a historian, participated in the adaptation of Lafracoth’s story, and tackled her first acting role as our lead heroine.

Lafracoth Illumined performers came together for our first rehearsal on February 26th, 2025

Our special thanks to Indiana University Indianapolis head of the Applied Theatre Program Prof. Emilio G. Robles who made our on-campus rehearsal possible by providing the IUI

By Professor Elizabeth Boyle
Maynooth University, Ireland

Professor Boyle offers a commentary on the historicity of the play "Lafracoth Illumined" in this essay written for our staged reading collaboration with the Indiana University Conscience Project:
https://scholarworks.indianapolis.iu.edu/items/eddb297e-dbf2-4415-83ae-fe6126ea5b3d

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