Riders to the Sea between Regionalism and Universality: A Cultural Perspective

Abstract

This study aims at discussing Riders to the Sea; it aims to investigate nationalism and cultural identity as two significant ways against the English cultural colonialism. Though many critics regard J.M. Synge as; and thus consider him as an example of regional dramatist because his works are related to the local Irish material. However; this study aims to correct this vision of Synge as only about Irish Celtic culture, but as an innovator of the Irish theatre and as a culturalist who shifted Irish theatre into a universal scope. Thus, though Synge's fame is due to his treatment of the "folk" drama; still, he finds in Ireland’s folk tales, myths, and traditional legends a rich source for universal interests. By tracing the reinforcement of the Irish setting and oral culture for a cultural function which aims at establishing the Irish identity and reviving its national heritage, the study argues that Synge's dramatic presentations were not only of regional or local value; but also of international and cultural significance. That is though J.M. Synge introduces his theme in a local Irish context, with a particular focus on peasants; he was able to transform the Irish theatre from the local context to universality.