CHRONICLES OF LONG KESH

Martin Lynch brings smash-hit play about ‘The Maze’ prison to Kildare

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Date: Thursday 10th March, 8pm

Book now: 045 448327 // www.riverbank.ie <http://www.riverbank.ie/> 

For three decades, Northern Ireland’s infamous prison – Long Kesh – was home to both Republicans and Loyalists, in an era of riots, hunger strikes and “The Troubles”.  Martin Lynch’s smash-hit play Chronicles of Long Kesh tells the story of the prison – also known as The Maze – from its opening in August 1971 to its closure in July 2000.

Martin Lynch’s dramatic portrayal of life on the inside tells a painful, shocking and poignant story of the day-to-day reality of history in the making.  Time is marked with Motown classics, prison breaks are conducted under the cover of Smokey Robinson, and the stories are angry, devastating and, at times, hilarious.

The story concentrates not on the big politics of the day or those who became well known as a result of their time in prison, but on the experiences of ordinary prisoners, prison officers and their families.

Playwright Lynch interviewed dozens of ex-prisoners from both sides of the 35-year conflict in Northern Ireland (IRA & Loyalist UVF/UDA paramilitary groups).  The ex-prisoners revealed many personal stories about the experience in the conflict and in the prison.  Many of the stories were heart-breaking, shocking and also hilarious.  These stories have made their way into the play woven into the lives of the characters. 

A huge crowd-pleaser, Chronicles of Long Kesh is told through the eyes of prison officers, Republicans and Loyalists, a rich assortment of patriots, chancers, leaders, wives, escapers and hypochondriacs!  Full of 1960’s Motown songs and wild, irreverent humour, this is the inside story of The Troubles.

Following its world premiere in January 2009 at the Belfast Waterfront Hall Studio Theatre, Chronicles of Long Kesh has since performed for international audiences totalling more than 50,000 people throughout Ireland, London, Liverpool, Glasgow, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, receiving standing ovations after nearly every single performance. Don’t miss this performance at Riverbank Arts Centre  on Thursday 10th March.

PLEASE NOTE: this production contains strong language and themes of an adult nature and as such is deemed unsuitable for those under the age of 16.

Tickets for Chronicles of Long Kesh, Thursday 10th March are €18/€16 conc. and can be booked through Riverbank Arts Centre’s Box Office on 045 448327 or online at www.riverbank.ie

WATCH THE TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=okDCvhK9fkY&feature=player_embedded

 
Green Shoot Productions present

CHRONICLES OF LONG KESH

Martin Lynch brings his smash-hit play about The Maze prison ‘The Chronicles of Long Kesh’ to Kildare Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare on Thursday 10th March, 8pm