DOG HOUSE

Introduction

'Dog House' is set in a cul-de-sac in the suburbs of Cork. The play is about a group of children who live there, and the comedies and mysteries of young love. Into the local squabble of romance and friendship moves a new family, who quickly become known as 'the flying saucers' because they seem so weird. But it gradually becomes apparent that the Martin children live in fear of their domineering yet unseen father, whose only object of affection is his dog.

One day Pats leaves the home to play in the park with Jimmy. When they return, the dog has gone missing. Mr Martin believes it is Pats' fault so he punishes Pats by burning her face with a cigarette and giving Dessie a black eye. The children become fed up with their father's violence and plan to kill him. Ger and Jimmy overhear them planning and tell them not to do this. They go and get help, telling them that everything will be fine. In the meantime Mr Martin has been killed in a car accident trying to avoid a dog in the road. The play ends with his funeral.

Activities devised by Karen Allen, Martine Bligh, Rick and Jan Holroyd and Andy Kempe.