Dorothea the Doozy
The life and work of Dorothea Herbert, poet, writer, artist and proud spinster from Carrick on Suir, County Tipperary is sometimes compared with Jane Austen’s. However, Dorothea was writing before Austen and what she wrote about was real and frequently funnier. Herbert’s ‘Retrospections of an Outcast’ was written between 1780 to 1806 but was not published until 1929. It is a unique insight into the lives of the land-holding Herbert family and their class. Her writings are a rare first-person insight into the lives of 18th century ascendency class women in Ireland.
Dorothea’s words are brought to life by actress Aideen Wylde reading anecdotes from Herbert’s work. Some are comical, others distressing, sad and occasionally shocking. Torn between an imaginary husband and solitary spinsterhood, Herbert’s work shows a woman unraveling to her wits end. Background information and context are provided by Dr Jane Maxwell, Library and Archives Research Collections in Trinity College Dublin, home to the original illustrated Manuscript ‘Retrospections Of An Outcast’.
Presented and produced by Angie Mezzetti of Ocarina
Dorothea’s diaries are read by actor Aideen Wylde
Contributors Dr Jane Maxwell, Library and Archives Collections Trinity College Dublin.
Dr Mary Breen, UCC School of English.
Johnny Fitzpatrick, local historian Carrick on Suir
Anne Tannam Poet and Creative Writing Coach.
Sound edit and final mix Patrick Wall
Additional Research Nina Mullen
The programme maker acknowledges support of the Board of Trinity College, the University of Dublin.
An Ocarina Broadcast Production for RTÉ lyric fm funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 19th February, 6pm-7pm