In recent years Ireland, North and South, has undergone a period of rapid transition. Social and economic advancements in the South and political developments in the North have brought benefits, but have also created for some a sense of confusion and disorientation. Many have become caught between the residual problems of the past and the impact of the new. In the ongoing process of redefining boundaries and attempting to build a more inclusive society, it is important to be aware of the dislocation which exists among groups and individuals in the current cultural climate. My experience of these changing times has been, broadly speaking, as a female Catholic from a middle-class, nationalist background. It is from this perspective that I have explored a variety of political, religious and gender issues, related to the overriding theme of the internal exile in contemporary Irish theatre. Specific chapters address particular concerns. Chapter one provides a historical and cultural context which seeks to place the theme within the macrocosm of a society undergoing change, in addition to outlining the way in which it is represented in and affected by contemporary Irish drama. Chapter two is entitled 'States of mind and the lyricism of theatrical conventions'. It explores a selection of post-sixties plays and identifies a number of different styles of theatre which are being practised in Ireland at the present time. Chapter three discusses the politics of spirituality in relation to Brian Friel's Dancing at Lughnasa. Chapter four focuses on three plays by Marina Carr and considers the role of women. Chapter five looks at politics and gender in two plays about Oscar Wilde; Saint Oscar by Terry Eagleton and The Secret Fall of Constance Wilde by Thomas Kilroy. Chapter six involves a consideration of the political situation in Northern Ireland in respect of the peace process and post-cease-fire plays by a number of playwrights such as Gary Mitchell, Declan Gorman and Michael Harding.