The Meeting of the Waters (radio play)

The Meeting of the Waters is a 1950s radio play by Irish writer Micheál Ó hAodha. The play explores themes of love, loss, memory, and the clash between rural tradition and modern progress in Ireland. Set in a small village near the confluence of two rivers, the story revolves around a young woman, Máire, who returns to her childhood home after a period of absence, and the complex relationships she rekindles with the people she left behind.

The narrative often weaves between the present day and flashbacks, revealing the history of Máire's relationships, particularly her lost love and the circumstances that led to her departure. The symbolism of the meeting of the waters itself represents the merging of past and present, and the confluence of different destinies.

The play's strength lies in its evocative use of language and sound effects to create a vivid sense of place and atmosphere. Ó hAodha's script captures the rhythms and nuances of rural Irish speech, and the use of traditional music and natural sounds further immerses the listener in the world of the play.

The Meeting of the Waters is considered a notable example of mid-20th century Irish radio drama, and is often studied for its portrayal of rural life and its exploration of universal themes through a distinctly Irish lens. While specific broadcast dates and details of original productions may vary depending on the source, the play's enduring quality is recognized within the context of Irish radio history.