In John McClelland's thoughtful and thought-provoking new play, Replay Productions, the North's excellent theatre-in-education company, has again proved that work of this quality can cross both curricular and age boundaries. One has only to look around the map, the signposts, the language, the faces and complexions of people of Ireland to witness the enduring legacy left by the Vikings in the 9th century.
Traditionally regarded as warring invaders, bloodthirsty savages, McClelland offers an alternative take, presenting them as cultured traders and bold adventurers, who settled our wild shores and became a vital, integrated part of the community.
Moreover, as implied in the title and portrayed persuasively by Donna Bainbridge's Freydis Godsdottir/Aoife Morda double role, they were people who had been here before, who cherished their direct blood lines with the Irish Celts and who treated their return to Ireland as a spiritual homecoming.
Perceptively directed by Janice Jarvis, Ms Bainbridge, Richard Croxford, Mike Carbery, Paul McEneaney and Marty Rea, trace patterns of history along the flowing lines of David Craig's Viking rath set, while ships set sail, ancient tales are re-enacted and fierce battles waged, all to the tune of Debra Salem's haunting music.
There will be public performances of BloodLines in Ballycastle on March 9th, Derry on March 10th, Downpatrick on March 23rd and Monaghan on March 25th.