Writers Notes on Development
My Grandfather is from a village a short drive away from where these events took place. My family come from there, I spent summers there, this gives me a deep connection to the story.
We currently have a detailed outline of the script and a perspective on the main characters. The next stage is a deeper dive into the archive, starting with the testimonies and court records. I’m not looking for what happened, we know this. I’m looking for why. I am therefore, approaching research with some clear questions in mind. For example, it has been suggested that some of the people involved may have had learning difficulties, what is the evidence for this? How could this be represented authentically?
Bridget's voice is off course missing from the testimonies so I must look for her among the voices of those who knew her best, while being mindful that some of them were implicated in her murder.
Although the amount of people involved is quite shocking, it may also be confusing for the viewer. I anticipate some characters may be combined, the two fairy doctors and several of Bridget's cousins are obvious candidates. I am aware of the balance between understanding and historical accuracy.
More research is also needed into the supernatural beliefs. These vary between regions, so I’m focusing on Tipperary and Kilkenny. Irish Fairies are not of the Disney variety, they are much more varied and frightening, more akin to a race of gods and demons living along side us. Strangely, this beliefs survived along side christianity. If an audience is to understand the story, I must bring these beliefs to life.
Social context is another key research area. How did these characters live? How did they work? How did they see there place in society and in the world? This research will infuse the script with an authenticity that an audience can feel. We are dealing with a time, close enough to seem familiar, distant enough to seem foreign.
