Celtic Knot

by Karen Fix Curry

Full length - When young Irishman Sean Gallagher goes to school in America and brings home an American wife, tensions rise to the breaking point with his sister Mary. Although father Eamon Gallagher is welcoming, Mary's refusal to accept Sean's wife Beth could destroy the family she loves.

Full length - When young Irishman Sean Gallagher goes to school in America and brings home an American wife, tensions rise to the breaking point with his sister Mary. Although father Eamon Gallagher is welcoming, Mary's refusal to accept Sean's wife Beth could destroy the family she loves.

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Celtic Knot

Recommended by

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams: Celtic Knot by Karen Fix Curry
    “

    A Beautiful story with many wonderfully created characters. The piece carries you through many emotional moments but at the same time has some tender segments. When I close my eyes not only can I see it I can also hear the characters voices, the sign of a well written script in my mind.

    A Beautiful story with many wonderfully created characters. The piece carries you through many emotional moments but at the same time has some tender segments. When I close my eyes not only can I see it I can also hear the characters voices, the sign of a well written script in my mind.

    ”
  • Jordan R. Young: Celtic Knot by Karen Fix Curry
    “

    Vivid characterizations that pull you into the story. True to the spirit of the Irish people; easy to visualize on the stage of Dublin's Abbey Theatre.

    Vivid characterizations that pull you into the story. True to the spirit of the Irish people; easy to visualize on the stage of Dublin's Abbey Theatre.

    ”
  • Chelsea Frandsen: Celtic Knot by Karen Fix Curry
    “

    What a beautiful and emotional tale! The characters are human and fascinating and the dialogue is lyrical from page one. It touched my heart and warmed my soul.

    What a beautiful and emotional tale! The characters are human and fascinating and the dialogue is lyrical from page one. It touched my heart and warmed my soul.

    ”
View all 8 recommendations

Character Information


Irish word pronunciation guide sent upon request.
Irish dance, social ceili type. Ability: moves well is fine.

Ghost of mother, intercom, doctor and nurse may be doubled from dancers, bartender, Aisling in bar scene. All bar attendees may be added to the airport scene as travelers in airport. All scene changes are done by the cast members.
  • Mary Gallagher
    Sean's sister. Looks older, religious, motherly, has a temper. She sacrifices anything for Sean, including her own future.
    20-30's
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Sean Gallagher
    Charming, optimistic, handsome, warm younger brother, must dance.
    20's
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Beth
    Beautiful, quiet, lovely, professional, accomplished, American, protestant. Must dance.
    20-30's
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Eamon Gallagher
    Father of Mary and Sean. Horse trader. Gruff but welcoming.
    50-60's
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Rory
    Sean's best friend. Lovable goof. Must dance.
    20's
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Moira
    Beth's friend. Caring, outgoing. Must dance. May double as ghost of Mother, doctor or nurse.
    20-30's
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Ghost of Mother
    Looks similar to Beth, non-speaking
    30's
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Bartender
    Must dance. May double as doctor or nurse.
    Any age
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Aisling (pronounced Ash-ling)
    Friends with Beth & Moira. Must dance. May double as ghost of mother, doctor or nurse.
    20-30's
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Intercom (Off stage voice)
    Announces flight at the airport.
    Any age
    Any
  • Bar patron
    Must dance. May double as doctor or nurse, intercom.
    Any age
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Bar patron #2
    Must dance. Dance partner of bar patron and date. Age appropriate to each other. May double as doctor or nurse, intercom.
    Any age
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Nurse
    Checks vitals on Father. Non-speaking.
    Any age
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • Doctor
    Tries to resusitate Father. Non-speaking,
    any age
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+

Production History

  • Professional, OC-Centric New Play Festival, 2017
  • Professional, Williamsburg Theatre, Williamsburg, VA, 2002
  • University, California State University, Fullerton, 2000
  • University, California State University, Fullerton, 1999