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The Trial of John Mitchel (and his statue) before the Court of history, written by Anthony Russell, will be performed in the Finegan and Son Café in Newry, on 18 of February at 7-30pm. Based on the evidence presented, the jury/audience, capacity 40 people, will be offered the opportunity to vote to remove or retain Mitchel’s statue.
In this historical and political fantasy, John Mitchel (Hugh Feenan), republican and racist, is called from the grave to answer the charge that he committed a crime against humanity. Padraic Pearse (Mickey Brannigan), teacher, barrister, revolutionary and a great admirer of Mitchel is the defence lawyer. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy (Pat Mooney), founder of the Nation newspaper, and prime minister of Victoria, is the prosecutor. In Young Ireland, Mitchel and Duffy were close friends but because of Mitchel’s racist views and his support of political violence they became bitter lifelong enemies.
Daniel O’Connell (Donal O’Hanlon), the Liberator, who achieved Catholic Emancipation, believed only in moral force, and campaigned for the repeal of the Act of Union is the witness for the prosecution. Mitchel’s wife, Jenny Verner (Diane Russell), who shared his life and opinions, is called to her husband’s defence. Both she and he had no time for ethnic animosity. The judge Dionysus Cronos (Gerry Doherty), who was present at the trial of Socrates, punctuates the trial with the philosopher’s wisdom.
All the ghosts are aware of what has happened in the world since they entered the grave and comment accordingly, allowing the jury/audience to evaluate Mitchel’s legacy and decide on the future of his statue.
Russell’s humourous, informative, challenging and interactive drama will be performed for the Old Newry Society by Newpoint Players. Admission is £10 and all are welcome to serve on the jury but, given the limited numbers, early booking is advised by emailing Tom Moore, the secretary of Old Newry, at tomandros@btinternet.com
