This time next week the cast of Rebellion will be preparing for the final performance of a three-night run at Websters Theatre.
Last night Mr Director sent me a short video clip of rehearsals.
Of course, I know the material word for word.
After all, I wrote it, but it is still exhilarating to see your play in the flesh.
Perhaps only a playwright will get that.
The scene that was sent to me was one of those set in Frongoch POW camp.
That entire story arc has a rite of passage aspect to it as the young idealistic Volunteer Tom Murphy becomes a skilled IRA operator taking the war to the enemy on the streets of Dublin.
Rebellion was my love letter to my kin who were out in 1916.
History forgotten is a betrayal.
I haven’t forgotten.
In May 2016 the Big Fella and I had front row seats on the Mall in Westport as Uachtarán na hÉireann Mícheál D Ó hUigínn gave a wonderful speech about the revolutionary generation.
We were there that day to commemorate the “Westport 31”.
I had written Rebellion the previous year and by the time I laid a wreath in memory of my grand-uncle Michael Derrig the play had already premiered as part of the Saint Patrick’s festival in Glasgow the previous March.
As this review points out Rebellion weaves a narrative that connects the Easter Rising to contemporary Scotland.
As a playwright, I am humbled by the work that actors put into their craft.
They honour my writing and for that I will always be in their debt.
The folks at Sweet For Addicts are damn fine thespians, but their mission statement makes them a bit special among theatre groups.
This run is for three nights only – April 11th-13th inclusive.
I’m told that there are only a few tickets left for the performance on Saturday night.
You can get yours here.
History remembered is a weapon.
Who fears to speak of Easter Week?
I hope you can make it along.
Discover more from Phil Mac Giolla Bháin
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Congratulations Phill! It must be wonderful seeing your vision and words come to life onstage!!!
I have a question for you and forgive me if you’ve covered this and I missed it, but I’ve been wondering your thoughts since last Sunday.
I was over for last Sunday’s match from Canada,which was phenomenal, and following the victory went to the Gallowgate briefly before heading to O’Neils Bar in Merchant Square in the city center. It was brilliant in there with all the Celtic fans. While in there we noticed the streets outside our bar being taped of and Police vehicles everywhere and quickly learned of the targeted stabbing s that took place at the bar accross the street. The media coverage of this event shamefully didn’t match with sentiments of the people on scene that day. “Just another Celtic v Rangers fight”. I’ve wondered had it been us Canadians randomly stabbed how different the starry night have been! Thanks Phil. HH
Hi Jay
I did see the coverage of those incidents in the media.
As I wasn’t there I can’t comment on the veracity of the coverage.