New Gothic Thriller Explores Dark Secrets of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries
A new six-part gothic thriller titled The Woman In The Wall is set to premiere on BBC1 tomorrow, shedding light on the haunting history of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries. These notorious religious institutions served as the backdrop for countless traumatic stories, and now the show aims to explore the deep-seated secrets hidden within their walls.
Written by Bafta-nominated Joe Murtagh, the series centers around Lorna, played by acclaimed actress Ruth Wilson. Lorna’s life was forever altered when she was forcibly sent to a Magdalene Laundry at the tender age of 15. Like many others who shared her plight, she has struggled to find solace ever since.
Haunted by her past traumas, Lorna now suffers from PTSD-related sleepwalking episodes. One fateful day, she awakens to discover a dead woman in her own home, with no recollection of whether she is responsible for the murder.
Adding to her distress, an ambitious detective named Colman Akande, portrayed by Daryl McCormack, is investigating Lorna for an unrelated crime that may be intertwined with her current situation. Both Lorna and Akande carry their own dark secrets, making the narrative all the more gripping.
Joe Murtagh, the writer, hails from Mayo, the county where the fictional Kilkinure Magdalene Laundry is set. He expresses his deep frustration that so few are aware of these institutions that existed across Ireland. He hopes that by presenting the story through the familiar lens of a gothic thriller, viewers will gain insight into the horrendous events that transpired within these establishments. His ultimate wish is to bring this dark chapter of history to a wider audience, raising awareness to prevent any potential repetition in the future.
Ruth Wilson, who plays Lorna, describes her character as complex and fascinating. She expresses her enthusiasm for the opportunity to breathe life into Lorna’s story and commends Joe Murtagh for crafting a gripping gothic thriller that also delves into the lasting effects of the Magdalene laundries. Wilson feels honored to bring this powerful narrative to the screen and hopes it will generate fruitful discussions.
Daryl McCormack, known for his role in Peaky Blinders, acknowledges the power of art in sparking conversations and driving change. He attests to their commitment to handle the sensitive subject matter with care and respect, aiming to honor those who experienced the dark events within the Magdalene laundries. By shedding light on this historical trauma, McCormack believes their work has the potential to create meaningful movement.
Joe Murtagh reveals that his journey to create this series began after watching Peter Mullan’s powerful film The Magdalene Sisters. The fact that so few people, even outside of Ireland, were aware of this hidden history shook him. However, it took him a decade before he felt ready to tackle the weighty task, ensuring that they approached the storytelling with authenticity and respect, avoiding any exploitative or insensitive portrayals.
The Woman In The Wall aims to create a discourse around the dark history of Ireland’s Magdalene laundries. By infusing the narrative with compelling fictional characters, the series draws attention to the far-reaching impact of these institutions on communities and the entire country. Murtagh’s hope is that through the power of art, they can contribute to a better understanding of this painful past and create a future where such atrocities are never repeated.
As audiences prepare for the premiere of The Woman In The Wall, they can expect a captivating gothic thriller that weaves together historical trauma and compelling characters. With a talented cast, led by Ruth Wilson and Daryl McCormack, the series promises to resonate with viewers while igniting important discussions about Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries and their lasting legacy.
