Robbie O’Connor and Aisling O’Mara
in association with ANU Productions

“Did that play of mine send out certain men the English shot?” – W.B. Yeats

Dublin, 24 April 1916. Ireland’s leading actors abandon a matinee of Cathleen Ni Houlihan. Stepping out of their costumes and taking their revolvers from beneath the Abbey stage, they march to Dublin Castle. Firing the first shots of the insurrection they destroyed the status quo and changed forever the course of Irish history.

Helena Molony and Sean Connolly rehearsed for rebellion, carried out rebellion and suffered the fatal and living conquesences of their participation.

Derived from real-life testimonies, Rebel Rebel chronicles the finite moments when the play (which more than any other symbolised the link between the cultural revival and the Irish revolution) spilled revolution from the stage onto the streets, leading to his fatal shooting and dying in her arms on the roof of City Hall.

Directed by Louise Lowe
Performed by Robbie O’Connor and Aisling O’Mara

“Artful, complex, and touching…It’s directed with impressive verve and precision and is a total pleasure to watch” – Sunday Independent

“Both actors bring an arresting intensity to their characters. Meanwhile, the chaos and bloodshed of the rebellion is recreated with acrobatic movement and atmospheric sound design. A stirring new perspective on a familiar theme.” – The Irish Times

“This is less a historical reenactment than a stormful summoning” – Broadwayworld.com

Presented in association with ANU Productions, first produced as show in a Bag 2015 – a partnership between Fishamble: The New Play Company, Irish Theatre Institute and Tiger Dublin Fringe.