Louth native awarded funding to uncover forgotten Civil War plays
Dr Síobhra Aiken's project will explore how theatre shaped memories of the Irish Civil War
Ardee native Dr Síobhra Aiken has been awarded funding under the Royal Irish Academy's 2026 Commemorations Bursary Scheme for a new research project exploring how theatre has shaped public memory of the Irish Civil War.
Dr Aiken, a senior lecturer in the Department of Irish and Celtic Studies at Queen's University Belfast, received the bursary for Staging the Split: Theatre, Memory, and the Irish Civil War, a project she is jointly leading with independent scholar Dr Fiona Brennan.
The research will uncover previously overlooked plays about the Civil War, re-examining the conflict's contested legacy while highlighting theatre's unique role in exploring difficult aspects of Ireland's past.
This project re-examines the contested legacy of the civil war and explores the specific aesthetic features of theatre that lend themselves to the exploration of difficult past legacies.
The final output will be a bilingual edited volume of civil war plays, making them accessible and available to the public.
The volume will include a scholarly introduction outlining the history of Irish theatre and community drama from the 1920s to the present, tracing how political and social developments moulded representations of the revolution and civil war.
Furthermore, the project will develop a radio programme and host two free public roundtables, one in Belfast and one in Kerry, to present the results of the project to the public and encourage restaging of these dramas in schools and among community and professional drama groups.
Dr Aiken is the great granddaughter of Frank Aiken and has also published a book examining the psychological trauma caused by the Irish Civil War.
The Royal Irish Academy announced funding for eleven research projects under this year's Commemorations Bursary Scheme, which is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
The aim of the Commemorations Bursary Scheme, established in 2024, is to encourage new research and history studies (local, national and regional) as a means of recognising the significant contribution of local historians in furthering fields of study relating to the Commemoration of events associated with the early years of the state, as well as other significant historical anniversaries, events and themes.
Following on from the success of the previous two years of the scheme, this year's scheme will support projects in communities across Ireland that explore a broad range of themes and research areas. Together, these projects recognise and promote the importance of commemorating significant events from our shared past.
Speaking recently, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media O’Donovan said:
“As Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport I am pleased to support the Royal Irish Academy's Commemorations Bursary Scheme.
“Commemoration is not only about looking back but about creating opportunities for new understanding. These bursaries support innovative research that can uncover fresh perspectives on Ireland's past and help connect communities with the stories that continue to shape our society today.
“I want to thank the Royal Irish Academy for their continued dedication which ensures that local historians, both amateur and professional, are acknowledged and supported in furthering the fields of study for commemorative events and themes.”
Professor Daniel Carey, President of the Royal Irish Academy, remarked:
“These bursaries highlight the strength and creativity of historical research taking place across Ireland. The projects awarded funding this year will explore a remarkable range of topics, broadening our understanding of the people, communities and events that have shaped modern Ireland. The Royal Irish Academy is proud to support research that enriches our collective memory and contributes to how we commemorate our shared history.”
All Commemoration Bursary projects will be completed by summer 2027, and further updates on their progress and outputs will be publicised in the forthcoming year.