Madame de Markievic On Trial

Madame de Markievicz on Trial is a drama centred around Constance Markievicz depicting an event in Dublin at Easter in 1916 when a policeman was fatally shot. It is set in a courtroom and a prison cell during the autumn of 1917 and the dialogue is largely based on the extensive speeches made by Markievicz during this time.

The play has a cast of four women and two men. Apart from the prosecutor, all the characters are based on actual people and each one is impressive in their strength of character. William May, the prosecutor and sole fictional character in the drama is the Devil’s Advocate. He trawls through all aspects Madam’s life and times from her birth to 1917 to challenge the misinformation created by post 1916 propaganda. The testimonies of the witnesses are interwoven to show that Madam was a normal multi-dimensional woman in contrast to the usual one-dimensional icon frequently presented. The audience will be the ultimate judge, as they leave the theatre to decide to issue an innocent or guilty verdict. Barbara Dempsey Neill Fleming Andrea Kelly Amy O’Dwyer Ian Meehan Síofra O’Meara Written by Ann Matthews Directed and produced by Anthony Fox Stage Management by Céin Sookram Lighting Design by Cathy O’Carroll Set Design by Martin Cahill Sound Design by Shane Fitzmaurice Costume Design by Jessica Dunne Graphic Design by Leanne Willars

Published Reviews

  • **** ‘… an imaginative cracker of a play, skilfully structured and acted with the kind of passion the subject needs,’ – Mail on Sunday
  • ‘This performance will undoubtedly prove popular among theatre enthusiasts and historians alike.’ – The Public Reviews
  • ‘Matthews’ newest historical drama is an intriguing take on one of Ireland’s most famed women Countess Constance de Marckievicz.’ – The Public Reviews
  • ‘Barbara Dempsey, delivers a strong and engaging performance, expertly highlighting the enigmatic Countesses’ various eccentricities’ – Entertainment.ie
  • ‘It is an informative and entertaining play that has the impressive performances of Fleming and Dempsey at its core.’ – No More Workhorse
  • ‘a solid and strong cast….an engaging and enlightening, well acted work.’ – The Red Curtain Review