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Newry Courthouse has seen many trials over the years but a particular trial next week as part of Newry Arts Festival is most certainly unique.
The Trial of John Mitchel (and his statue) by Anthony Russell conducted by Newpoint Players is just one of the quirkier events taking place during the festival which runs throughout the city from 1-7 April. Almost 40 events are taking place with something for everyone.
Taking place In Court Number 3 in Newry Courthouse (the real one) at 7-30pm on Saturday 6 April, it promises to be an occasion to remember ... and quite possibly your best chance to get into Newry Courthouse without an arrest beforehand!
The premise is that John Mitchel (1817 - 1875), is called from the grave to answer, in the Court of History, (sitting in Court Number 3, Newry Courthouse), the charge that, as an unashamed racist, he committed, a crime against humanity. The prosecutor is Sir Charles Gavin Duffy (1816 -1903), founder of the Nation and once a friend and then a lifelong enemy of John Mitchel. They clashed over slavery and the use of physical force. Padraic Pearse, barrister and revolutionary, is Mitchel’s defence lawyer.
Daniel O’Connell (1775 – 1847), the Liberator, who believed only in moral force, achieved Catholic Emancipation and championed Repeal of the Act of Union is called as the chief witness for the prosecution. Jenny Verner (c.1820 – 1899), Mitchel’s wife, who shared his life and opinions, is called as a witness for the defence. The judge is Dionysus Cronos who was present at the trial of Socrates.
All the ghosts are aware of what has happened in the world since they entered the grave. The audience is the jury.
The issue of Mitchel’s statue remaining in john Mitchel place is addressed by both Pearse and Duffy.
This trial, the sixth in the series, was written by Mitchel’s biographer, Anthony Russell, whose other plays have been performed from Winnipeg to Wexford. It will be performed by the award winning Newpoint Players.
Tickets are £15
For tickets or more information about all the events at Newry Arts Festival go to www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
