Seán and Martin

I first had the idea for 1916 about seventeen years ago and it was three years ago that I started to assemble the creative team to start writing. We have thoroughly researched the history because we need to be accurate, but we have also spent a great deal of time on characterisation because an audience expects drama, not just a history lesson. As we near completion of the work and prepare for workshops and performance, I am so pleased with the story that unfolds.


We live in turbulent times, Ireland has been fighting again for her sovereignty in the Euro zone financial crisis and we are seeing popular uprising across many nations, driven by people who seek respect; we are certainly living in a time of great change. There is great resonance here with the motivation behind The 1916 Rising.

 

Respect is a key word; the Rising was not just a hot headed revolution, it demanded respect in order to be able to  let the nation grow and nurture its own people. The key phrase in the Proclamation of 1916 was to “cherish all of the children of the nation equally”.

 

This sentiment is central to our production and to all who we can help as a result of its success. 


Seán Ferris, January 2011