Heritage Events Archive

A dramatised account of a meeting between the two great historical figures, Michael Collins and Winston Churchill.

Play written by Mary Kenny, directed by Jason Byrne.

The play is an imaginative reconstruction of how the encounter between the two might have progressed, drawing on historical sources. it's about two very charismatic historical characters, republican and imperialist: and it is about something which must continue to be done in our world whenever political negotiations arise from conflict.

In 1921 his friend and leader Eamon de Valera ordered Michael Collins to travel to London, with the Irish delegation, to negotiate the Treaty that followed the Truce and the War of Independence. Churchill was Colonial Secretary in charge of Ireland, and the two men were prepared to detest one another. 

Yet, at a point when the Treaty talks seemed to be in stasis, Churchill and Collins spent a night drinking together, talking, arguing, even singing and reciting poetry. They emerged from this session fascinated by each other. This superb play by Mary Kenny explores the evening that changed Irish History.

Featuring: Rory Garrett Moran, as Winston Churchill. Rory Seamus Moran as Michael Collins and Paul O’Gorman as William Evans, Churchill’s Servant.

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