This past Wednesday, Caroline Elbay’s Dublin Literary Experience class attended a showing of John Gabriel Borkman at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. The play starred Alan Rickman (commonly recognized as Severus Snape from the Harry Potter films) and other great actors such as Amy Molloy, Cathy Belton, and Marty Rae. John Gabriel Borkman is a story of a man who gave up love for money and became astonishingly successful. After a financial scandal and jail however, he found himself in the dark, dreary top floor of his home pacing back and forth with thought of an epic comeback. His wife Gunhild finds herself on the bottom floor of the house with thought of her son restoring the family name. The story takes an interesting turn when Gunhild’s sister, whom Borkman once loved, enters their lives again.
Caroline is notorious for immersing her students in Dublin’s artistic culture by introducing them to art galleries, theatrical productions, and literary readings. Not only has her teaching style given students a feel for the array of events that take place in Dublin but it has also introduced them to the academia inherent in Dublin’s culture.
The play itself was fantastic. The actors exuded incredible passion for their parts, using clear diction and projection. The play began with a slow approach, capturing your interest by introducing the multi-faceted lives of the Borkman family. By the second scene the play was in full swing with every turn of events keeping you on the edge of your seat. John Gabriel Borkman maintains a destitute and dismal theme, but is far from boring or depressing.
The atmosphere of the Abbey Theatre was another experience in itself. As we entered the theatre via the red carpet, and with ushers located in front of oversized doors, the essence of regality immediately set in. The foyer buzzed as people got their drinks and anticipated the production ahead. Upon being seated and watching the blinds open, the satisfaction we all feel when a movie finally starts and the whole theatre quietens, was multiplied as the characters appeared on stage. After the show, it was as if each person was left with a feeling of awe as we stood and clapped.
A few students that attended the play that evening stayed after the show and had the pleasure of meeting some of the cast of Harry Potter. Asking for autographs is was hard not to be starstruck. Ralph Fiennes (commonly known as Voldemort from Harry Potter) along with Neil Jordan (Director of Micheal Collins and The Crying Game), had come to watch Rickman’s performance and they all met for drinks in the theatre bar afterwards. 
It was then that some of the Champlain students realized just how much is actually going on in Dublin. Whether you choose to enjoy the comfort of your apartment or if you embrace the culture of Dublin, it’s hard not to come across the gems hidden in the corners of this quiet city. Perhaps that’s why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle!