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Irish Play Mirrors Refugee Struggles of 18th Century Germans
18 Oct
Summary
- 18th-century German refugees faced prejudice in Ireland.
- A new play highlights their story and its modern relevance.
- The production connects historical exclusion to current debates.
In the early 18th century, thousands of Germans fled persecution and famine, settling in rural Ireland as the Irish Palatines. These refugees encountered suspicion and violence due to their language and conservative Protestantism, facing conditions akin to modern displaced populations.
The play "Refuge" by Deirdre Kinahan, a co-production between Germany's Staatstheater Mainz and Ireland's Fishamble, explores this history. It uses a love story between German settlers Hannah and Peter to highlight themes of prejudice and the challenge of integrating newcomers.
The play's narrative includes a contemporary subplot featuring an Afghan boy, drawing parallels between the Palatines' historical plight and today's global immigration debates. This connection was noted by the Irish ambassador in Germany, Maeve Collins, who found the story universally relevant.
Initially, a promise from Queen Anne of England led many Palatines to America, but over 13,000 refugees set sail, with many perishing en route. Those who reached England faced a cooling reception, leading to the relocation of around 3,600 to Ireland to bolster the Protestant population.
Over generations, the Palatines gradually integrated, with some intermarrying and assimilating. Their descendants, like the prominent Switzer family, became established figures. The play's cast found the "re-discovery" of this historical episode to be a moving experience, emphasizing a universal message of solidarity.
