Tis True, Ma (Ten Minute)

by Paul Donnelly

I was deeply moved seeing photographs of and reading about the openly gay Irish Prime Minister’s visit to the Stonewall Inn on St. Patrick’s Day in 2018. The play looks at the visit’s effect on a gay Irish-American man who is trying to gain acceptance from his mother and lover for different facets of his personality. Their evening at Stonewall moves one, but not the other.

I was deeply moved seeing photographs of and reading about the openly gay Irish Prime Minister’s visit to the Stonewall Inn on St. Patrick’s Day in 2018. The play looks at the visit’s effect on a gay Irish-American man who is trying to gain acceptance from his mother and lover for different facets of his personality. Their evening at Stonewall moves one, but not the other.

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Tis True, Ma (Ten Minute)

Recommended by

  • Karen Fix Curry: Tis True, Ma (Ten Minute) by Paul Donnelly
    “

    This is a terrific conflict triangle of Mother, son, and his lover, each with their prejudices and pride, trying to make the others understand. Set at Stonewall, it highlights the beliefs of two generations, both entrenched in their beliefs, hoping for understanding. A poignant and deeply moving piece of theatre. A joy for three actors to play.

    This is a terrific conflict triangle of Mother, son, and his lover, each with their prejudices and pride, trying to make the others understand. Set at Stonewall, it highlights the beliefs of two generations, both entrenched in their beliefs, hoping for understanding. A poignant and deeply moving piece of theatre. A joy for three actors to play.

    ”
  • Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn: Tis True, Ma (Ten Minute) by Paul Donnelly
    “

    An absolutely lovely snapshot of history from the perspective of people it may have affected the most. Powerful and informative. Great characters to play as well.

    An absolutely lovely snapshot of history from the perspective of people it may have affected the most. Powerful and informative. Great characters to play as well.

    ”
  • Sam Heyman: Tis True, Ma (Ten Minute) by Paul Donnelly
    “

    Locked between his obligations to his Catholic, Irish family and his loyalty to his embittered, ex-Catholic lover, Kevin O'Connor has quite a choice to make. However, the choice is less about whose side Kevin takes than what Kevin is willing to tolerate when it comes to disrespect about who he is and the life he wants to live.

    Paul Donnelly's "Tis True, Ma" navigates the challenge of queer people who come out later in life to not just receive the acceptance they crave, but to demand the respect they deserve with cultural specificity and heart. Excellent work.

    Locked between his obligations to his Catholic, Irish family and his loyalty to his embittered, ex-Catholic lover, Kevin O'Connor has quite a choice to make. However, the choice is less about whose side Kevin takes than what Kevin is willing to tolerate when it comes to disrespect about who he is and the life he wants to live.

    Paul Donnelly's "Tis True, Ma" navigates the challenge of queer people who come out later in life to not just receive the acceptance they crave, but to demand the respect they deserve with cultural specificity and heart. Excellent work.

    ”
View all 12 recommendations

Character Information

  • Siobhan O’Connor
    Born in the Republic of Ireland. Came to the States as a war bride. As Irish as the day she arrived. Capable of enormous respect and affection for the dead. Rigid, fierce, and unforgiving toward the living.
    92
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Kevin O’Connor
    Her son. Scarred by his Catholic upbringing, but able to live with the scars and, indeed, embrace aspects of his Irish heritage. Believes he can still win his mother’s love. Gay.
    67
    Cis male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Michael Patrick O’Malley
    His lover. Endured a more abusive childhood, more physical violence. He has rejected the Catholic and the Irish in his background quite firmly. Doesn’t understand how Kevin can’t need to do the same.
    58
    Cis male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Production History

  • Professional, Buffalo United Artists Takes Ten: Stonewall Edition, 2019