Finn Varra Maa facts for kids

Finn Varra Maa is an opera from 1917. An opera is like a play where most of the words are sung. This one was created by Irish composer Geoffrey Molyneux Palmer and writer Thomas Henry Nally.

The very first performance, called the premiere, happened on December 26, 1917. It was a special Christmas show at the Theatre Royal, Dublin. Many young people were part of the performance. A choir of about 70 girls from Loreto College and 30 boys from Westland Row Schools sang. Because so many students were involved, the show was only performed in the afternoon.

What is Finn Varra Maa?

The name Finn Varra Maa comes from the Gaelic language. It means "good Finbar." The show was also called An Irish Fairy Pantomime in four acts. A pantomime is a type of musical play, often with comedy and magic.

Unfortunately, the music for Finn Varra Maa is now lost. Only the script, called the libretto, still exists. It was published in 1917.

A Play with a Message

Finn Varra Maa opened about 20 months after a big event in Ireland called the Easter Rising. This was a time of political change. The play was seen as a "political satire," which means it used humor to comment on political ideas. It was also known for showing strong Irish pride, or nationalism.

Because of its message, the play faced some challenges. In January 1918, parts of the play were censored. This means certain lines were removed because they went against a law called the Defence of the Realm Act 1914. This law was in place during World War I to protect the country.

Journalist Fintan O'Toole said that Finn Varra Maa was an effort to show Irish traditions. It aimed to offer an Irish alternative to the popular idea of Santa Claus.

How People Liked It

A newspaper called the Freeman's Journal reviewed the show. They said Finn Varra Maa was more than just a pantomime. They thought it was like a "light opera" because it had beautiful music. The reviewer praised the composer, Mr. G. Molyneux Palmer, for his "light and dainty" music for the songs and choir parts.

An art expert named Nicola Gordon Bowe described Finn Varra Maa as a "pageant production." This means it was a grand show with costumes, music, and a story, often celebrating a historical event or idea.