1912: A Hundred Years On (on tour from 16 Oct - 3 Nov)

If the recent spate of documentaries and marches to mark the centenary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant has intrigued you and sparked an interest in the history of this place, then you may want to catch the play 1912: A Hundred Years On as it tours around Northern Ireland over the coming weeks.



Written by Philip Orr and Alan McGuckian, the hour long play takes a wide look at what was happening in 1912, placing the overlapping events into a context, politically and culturally. Two actors – Ciaran Nolan and Gerard Jordan – assume the roles of County Antrim neighbours as they adapt to the changing situation, as well as playing the parts of the leading politicians and statesmen.

The play’s first run in March was well received, and sets the scene for the next decade of centenaries, including the formation of the Ulster Volunteer Force and the Irish National Volunteers, gun running at Larne, the Suffragist movement in Ireland, the Battles of Gallipoli and the Somme, and the Easter Rising all form a continuum of history.

Co-playwright Philip Orr says that the arts have a role in examining our history:

“We can ask questions about our past and not be scared of it; ask questions about our own past and not be seen as traitors; ask questions about other people’s past and not be seen as bigots.”

October

• Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 (various times) // Ulster Museum
• Monday 22 – Wednesday 24 (various times) // Ulster Hall
• Wednesday 24 at 7.15pm // Belfast City Hall
• Friday 26 at 7.30pm // Hopelink Centre, Carlisle Circus, Belfast
• Monday 29 at 7.30pm // Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena
• Wednesday 31 at 7.30pm // Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne

November

• Thursday 1 November at 7.30pm // Alley Theatre, Strabane
• Friday 2 November at 7.30pm // Glenavna Hotel, Cookstown
• Saturday 3 November at 7.30pm // Enniskillen Library
• Monday 5 November at 7:30pm // Kilmorey Arms Hotel, Kilkeel
• Tuesday 6 November at 6:30pm // National Museum of Ireland, Dublin

Full details of how to book tickets – which all seem to be free – can be found on the Contemporary Christianity website, whose Centenaries Cluster Group arranged for the play to be produced.

The project has received the support of NI Community Relations Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs/Anti Sectarian Fund, and the Lyric Theatre.