Some have called her Ireland’s first pop star; others, “the Queen of Connemara.” Delia Murphy, a singer and song collector beloved throughout Ireland, made history by helping to save the lives of thousands of Jewish refugees and Allied soldiers during World War II while lifting the spirits of her countrymen through songs.
Her life story is told in the play “Goodnight Delia” by John Murphy (no relation) with a new production from Aris Theatre, running through April 21.
Portraying Delia is the acclaimed actor Clelia Murphy (also no relation), herself a household name in Irish and UK theater – you may also know her from film and popular streaming series. Clelia Murphy joins me now with Simon Gibney, the director of Aris Theatre’s “Goodnight Delia,” and playwright John Murphy.
“She [Delia Murphy] knew that she wasn’t a classically trained singer; she knew that she just wanted to sing because of the passion,” said Clelia Murphy. She continued, “She never wanted to be remembered as being a hero. She became a hero – by other people’s standards because she felt like she had no other choice.”
“Goodnight Delia” is on stage through April 21 at Aris Theatre. More information is available here.
