THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY SCHREYER HONORS COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH THE SUPERLATIVES MARY SIOBHAN BRIER SPRING 2017 A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for baccalaureate degrees in English and Theatre with honors in English Reviewed and approved* by the following: Jessica O’Hara Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences Thesis Supervisor Marcy North Professor of English Honors Adviser * Signatures are on file in the Schreyer Honors College. i ABSTRACT The Superlatives is a two-act historical fiction play. It tells two parallel stories that alternate scenes, then intersect toward the end of act two. The first story is that of Ross and Norris McWhirter, identical twins with photographic memories, the original creators of the Guinness Book of World Records. The second story revolves around Emma Duggan and Colleen Butler, two impoverished women in Northern Ireland who grow up to become passionate Irish Republicans. Throughout the show, the main characters have similar experiences in their personal lives, but move further and further apart politically, with the girls becoming IRA leaders and the McWhirter twins spearheading political campaigns opposing the IRA. The storylines meet when Ross places a bounty on the head of Colleen, and in retaliation, Emma assassinates him. The play contains themes of political polarization and radicalization, and is a poignant commentary on the current divineness of our times. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................... iii FOREWORD ............................................................................................................... iv CAST OF CHARACTERS .......................................................................................... vii Act I 9 Act One, Scene One ......................................................................................................... 10 Act One, Scene Two ........................................................................................................ 15 Act One, Scene Three ...................................................................................................... 20 Act One, Scene Four ........................................................................................................ 25 Act One, Scene Five ......................................................................................................... 31 Act One, Scene Six .......................................................................................................... 38 Act One, Scene Seven ...................................................................................................... 43 Act One, Scene Eight ....................................................................................................... 50 Act One, Scene Nine ........................................................................................................ 55 Act One, Scene Ten.......................................................................................................... 60 Act One, Scene Eleven ..................................................................................................... 64 Act One, Scene Twelve .................................................................................................... 66 Act One, Scene Thirteen .................................................................................................. 72 Act One, Scene Fourteen.................................................................................................. 78 Act II 84 Act Two, Scene One ........................................................................................................ 85 Act Two, Scene Two ........................................................................................................ 89 Act Two, Scene Three ...................................................................................................... 96 Act Two, Scene Four........................................................................................................ 98 Act Two, Scene Five ........................................................................................................ 103 Act Two, Scene Six .......................................................................................................... 107 Act Two, Scene Seven ..................................................................................................... 112 Act Two, Scene Eight ...................................................................................................... 115 Act Two, Scene Nine ....................................................................................................... 120 Act Two, Scene Ten ......................................................................................................... 122 Act Two, Scene Eleven .................................................................................................... 126 Act Two, Scene Twelve ................................................................................................... 128 Act Two, Scene Thirteen .................................................................................................. 130 Epilogue ........................................................................................................................... 139 BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................ 142 iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thank you to Dr. Steve Moysey, who was kind enough to share his knowledge on some of the subjects of this play and their stories. Thank you to Dr. Jessica O’Hara, who showed me the story of the McWhirter twins and the golden plover when I was 18 and seeing Ireland for the first time. Thank you to NOTA, because no matter how much stress exists in my life, I’m always happy on Monday and Thursday from 7:45 to 10. Thank you to Jake Geroski, who is the reason I feel emboldened enough to write. And thank you to my original support system and the talented cast of To the Rescue, Frank, Claire, Pete, Anna, Claire B., Sam, and Kitty Brier. iv FOREWORD Siobhan first approached me about her project over social media. I was intrigued enough by her initial description to have an extended conversation with her about the IRA campaign of terror on the streets of London, and the associated siege at Balcombe Street. It was clear she had done her homework on the topics, and had indeed read my book on the subject – The Road to Balcombe Street. She carefully explained to me her approach to adapting the historical facts around the IRA Active Service Unit (ASU), the assassination of Ross McWhirter by that group, and the eventual standoff at number 22B Balcombe Street in London. She was going to write a play. I must confess that, as a researcher and writer of nonfiction material on terrorism, I could not imagine how one would even start to go about writing such a project. Siobhan sent me a sample, which intrigued me even further – as she had clearly taken a strong position on the characters involved, plus also introduced some of her own. I keenly awaited the finished product. I have to say that when it arrived in my inbox, I printed it off and read it in one sitting. Siobhan is to be congratulated on weaving a totally compelling tapestry of very believable characters, all mixed into a rich cocktail of emotion, passion, and beliefs. I also appreciate the tip of the hat to the Moysey name in the text! I can recommend this work without reservation. I hope the reader enjoys the experience as much as I have done. Well done, Siobhan. Dr. Steve Moysey 3/30/17 v Inspired by true events. vi “People are fascinated with extremes.” -Norris McWhirter, 1979 vii CAST OF CHARACTERS In Order of Appearance Storyteller- A zany American professor. Warm and wise. The audience must trust him, and he tells a hell of a story. Written as a man, but could be played by a man or woman. Sir Hugh Beaver- 61 years old with white hair and very expensive clothes. Refined, snobby, and authoritative. Mrs. Duggan- A widow and a mother of two. She was young when her children were born, but she has been aged by stress and loss. Quiet and motherly, but also very emotional and still deeply hurting from the loss of her husband. Emma Duggan- 19 in the beginning of the show, then ages four years between Acts One and Two. Short, but a bold presence. Carries a fire underneath her skin. She is brash, but charismatic. Aggressive, but loving. Colleen Butler- Emma’s best friend and the same age as her. Taller than Emma with a slight build. Quiet, but she matches Emma with a protective love she has for those she loves. Ross McWhirter- About 30 in the first act and about 50 in the second. Absolutely identical to his twin, Norris. Takes himself very seriously, and somewhat pompous and aloof. Not very good at picking up on social cues. Flawless photographic memory. Speaks very quickly and in perfect pace with his brother. Norris McWhirter- The older twin. All qualities same as Ross, but ever so slightly more dominant and a touch more socially adept. Hugh Doherty- 22 in the beginning of the show, then ages four years. Slightly heavyset, with a beard and messy hair. Quiet and sweet but has a tendency to convert all negative emotions into anger. Good with building things and electronics. Joseph O’Connell- 23 years old. Tall, intimidating, and attractive, with a commanding presence. Shows enormous potential in terms of intelligence,