ExecutionsBy Ulick O'Connor
Directed by David Woldseth
In 1922, Ireland gained independence from England. They held elections, and civil war broke out. During an uprising in June, the Irish government arrested some prisoners. In December, a member of the Irish Parliament was assassinated. To send a message that political assassination would not be tolerated, the seven members of the Cabinet voted to execute four prisoners who were not involved in the assassination but were involved in the anti-government cause. They acknowledged that fact, but believed a message had to be sent publicly to help preserve their fledgling government.
The play is a documentary based on actual events in Ireland. O'Connor based the play on actual events during the 1922 Civil War in Ireland. The play follows the decision-making of the seven members of the Cabinet. The play also provides the attitudes of the opposition and the prisoners themselves.
The show boasts a cast of 17-- a large show by Dane County community theater standards for a non-musical production, and the offering is an ambitious project for the Mazomanie R & R. To their theatrical agent's knowledge, this production will be the United States premiere of the show. While the show is not very well-known, the cast and crew embraced the challenge to play, in many cases, real figures from 20th century Irish history. Ulick O'Connor's use of exact speeches and writings lends a sense of authenticity for the actors.
Performance dates: October 10-11 and 16-18, 1997
Produced by Mazomanie R and R
