2007 Press Releases
08.11.2007
On Monday, November 12th 2007 the students and staff of UCC will re-enact the Treaty Debates of 1922. Known as "This Treaty", the dramatisation is set in the aftermath of the signing of the Anglo Irish treaty in 1921, which was signed to bring the Irish war of independence to an end.
The moment in Irish history being revisited split the government, the Dáil and the nation, and continues to affect Irish life to this day.
This is a once off performance set in some of the most striking locations on campus, involving hundreds of actors. There are five major roles being cast: Arthur Griffith, Eamon de Valera, Micheal Collins, Cathal Brugha and Countess Markievicz. Other than these five, every audience member will be asked to participate in the debate about the ratification of the Treaty, around which this performance is centred. Audience members are asked to be attired in the dress of the time, and will interact with the major protagonists throughout the production.
Before the dramatisation begins, lecturers from UCC will give a brief talk in order to give context to the work. The whole show will then be moved across the campus for outdoor rallies, culminating in the debates being held in the awe inspiring surroundings of the colleges great hall, the Aula Maxima.
The required mixture of improvisation and fidelity to the historical record, the once off nature of the show as well as the weight of playing and interacting with some of the most divisive and influential personalities in Irish history is one which presents a unique opportunity for actors and audience alike.
The show begins at 6pm in Boole IV Lecture Theatre. Admission is free but audience members are asked to attend in 1920s clothing. Students and non-students welcome.
Picture: Signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, London, December 1921
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