The morning after optimism

James, a temporarily retired pimp, is on the run from a shadowy pursuer. His mother has just died and he is cynical to the point of despair about what should become of him. With him is Rosie, his long-time 'girl', who encourages him to think ahead, offering a less pessimistic view of his prospects. In the forests through which they flee, James encounters a pretty, innocent girl of 17 named Anastasia. She has been alone a long time, and like many a fairy-tale woman, is awaiting a dashing saviour to arrive. Drawing on Shakespeare's Forest of Arden for its setting, on Jungian psychology for its imagery, and on European fairytale for much of its shape, language and action, 'The Morning After Optimism' was first performed at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, in March, 1971.