RELIVE THE NIGHTMARE; BELIEVE THE DREAM: THIS IS '1916'
Bridie is serving time behind her family’s bar, dreaming of a new life, across the sea. Ciaran, her brother, dreams of a new republic and the end of British rule. Their hopes and schemes could be realised or dashed when Harry, a young British soldier appears.
Meanwhile, a best friend betrays and even the priest cannot share his burden. Colm, a young boy, working for The Countess, imagines a life upstairs whilst another servant lurks in the shadows, never without his gloves. Colm’s mother is torn apart at the thought of her eldest son fighting for the British in France, unaware that Colm is helping the cause. The Cleaners sprinkle wisdom, wit and light relief, unaware of the secretive forces at work.
Political and personal events begin to clash and spiral out of control, climaxing on Easter Monday, when an army of 1600 men and women descend on Dublin and seize the General Post Office, symbol of British oppression. Patrick Pearse, the public face of the rebellion, declares the world’s newest nation. Mighty battles ensue; dramatic shootouts result in bullets scarring buildings and blood spilling out on to the streets.
Combining themes of human strength in adversity, oppression, dreams of escape and opportunity, independence, fierce patriotism and violent opposition, ‘1916’ explores the devastating power of towering events on the shattered lives of those caught up in these unforgettable events.
Copyright Sean Ferris 2005