Eileen Walsh, a renowned Irish actress, has a profound connection to the story of the Magdalene laundries. Growing up in 1980s Cork, her family lived near Bessborough, one of the largest of these church-run institutions where over 900 infants perished. The echoes of this history resonate deeply with Walsh, shaping her perspective and fueling her passion for telling these stories.
In her new film, Small Things Like These, based on the Claire Keegan novel, she stars alongside Cillian Murphy. The film delves into the harrowing realities of a mother and baby home, showcasing the silent suffering and the church's complicity in these atrocities. It's a poignant reminder of a painful chapter in Irish history, and Walsh's personal connection adds a powerful layer of authenticity to her performance.
The Long Shadow of the Magdalene Laundries
The Magdalene laundries, also known as mother and baby homes, were infamous institutions that operated for centuries in Ireland. These workhouses were used to punish women who had children outside of marriage, or who were orphaned, disabled, or victims of rape. The women and their babies were locked away, forced into labor, and subjected to abuse by nuns. The system remained unchecked until the 1990s, when the discovery of mass graves at these institutions brought the horrors to light. While the last laundry closed in 1996, the trauma continues to ripple through Irish society.
A Personal Journey
Walsh has been tackling this subject matter for decades, drawing from her own lived experience. She starred in Peter Mullan's The Magdalene Sisters, portraying an unmarried mother with learning difficulties who was brutally abused by nuns and a priest. The film, met with fierce criticism from the Vatican at the time, has become a critical part of the Irish history curriculum. She also played Ann Lovett in Ann, a film about the 15-year-old schoolgirl who died giving birth outside a church in 1984.
A Shared History
Walsh's collaboration with Cillian Murphy in Small Things Like These is a reunion of sorts. They first met in 1996, as teenagers, starring in Enda Walsh's play Disco Pigs. The intense two-hander, about Irish misfits Runt and Pig, was a critical success, launching their careers and leading to international tours. It was during this tour that Walsh met her husband, Stuart McCaffer, and Murphy met his wife, Yvonne McGuinness.
A Missed Opportunity
However, their shared journey took a surprising turn. When Disco Pigs was adapted into a film, Walsh was not even considered for the role of Runt. The news came as a crushing blow, especially considering their close connection to the play and their mutual commitment to it.
“I was very young, and I had thought that it was two of us, me and Cill, do or die. And that we would, of course, play it. I didn’t really know the business,” she reveals, highlighting her early disillusionment with the industry.
Finding Common Ground
Despite this setback, Walsh and Murphy's professional paths continued to intersect, culminating in their latest collaboration. They bring a unique dynamic to the film, drawing on their deep understanding of each other and their shared history.
A Family Affair
Small Things Like These is a deeply personal story for Walsh, who as a mother of two, can relate to the plight of the women portrayed in the film. The film delves into the complexities of motherhood, highlighting the pressures and expectations placed on women in a patriarchal society.
A Moment of Truth
One particular scene in the film stands out for its powerful and intimate portrayal of a wife and husband's unspoken communication. It's a pivotal moment of vulnerability and honesty, showcasing the profound impact of their experiences.
A Legacy of Silence
Small Things Like These serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power. The film delves into the culture of silence that surrounded the Magdalene laundries, highlighting the fear and guilt that permeated Irish society.
Breaking the Silence
Walsh hopes that the film will encourage more survivors to share their stories. By giving voice to the silenced, the film aims to ensure that these injustices are never forgotten.
Looking Forward
As Walsh continues to navigate the world of film and theatre, her commitment to telling stories that resonate with audiences remains strong. Her passion for shedding light on social injustices and challenging the status quo inspires her work, ensuring that her voice continues to be heard.
The legacy of the Magdalene laundries is a complex one, fraught with pain and suffering. Yet, through films like Small Things Like These, we can begin to heal and move forward, acknowledging the past and ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.
The End of a Chapter?
Small Things Like These is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, showing how even in the darkest of times, there is hope and a chance for healing. While the film sheds light on a dark chapter in Irish history, it also offers a glimmer of hope for the future.
The film's release has generated a renewed interest in the story of the Magdalene laundries, prompting important conversations about the long-lasting impact of these institutions on Irish society.
As Walsh reflects on her career, she acknowledges the power of film and theatre to ignite change. Her journey, from her early days in the theatre to her current role as a powerful voice for social justice, is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.
