‘A Day In May’ is the story of the long fight that led to marriage equality – the story of how a country that was one of the most conservative in the West became the first in the world where the people voted for marriage equality.
It’s a story of politics, campaigning and in-fighting. It’s also the story of ordinary people whose lives were caught up in the struggle, drawn from Charlie Bird’s landmark collection of interviews.
There’s music, slapstick, Irish mammies, tragedy, tears and a lot of laughter.
The play takes us from the dark days of 1982 and the murder of Declan Flynn, through decriminalisation and the split in the movement over civil partnership, up to the campaign for marriage equality and #hometovote.
It debuted to standing ovations at the Olympia last June and returns now for a short Irish tour.
It’s written by Colin Murphy (Haughey/Gregory, Inside The G.P.O., The Bailout) and directed by Gerard Stembridge (Ordinary Decent Criminal, Black Day At Blackrock, About Adam, Scrap Saturday). It’s based on the book of personal testimony, A Day in May, by Charlie Bird and Kevin Rafter.
Conor says; “It’s an honour to create characters based on real people from the extraordinary campaign for marriage equality in the Republic. When we performed it in Dublin last June, the atmosphere was a celebration of triumph, a celebration of queer people feeling like they belong in their own country.”
Their has been much positive reaction to the play. The Sunday Independent said, “A powerful play about a triumph of civil and human rights… A play that everyone in Ireland should go to see… Brilliant.”
John McColgan said, “The audience gave a full standing ovation and rousing cheers. Some crying, some laughing. The best evening in the theatre I have seen in a long time.”
‘A Day in May’ in Pavillion Theatre Dun Laoghaire on April 16, book now.
To be in with a chance of winning two tickets plus a signed copy of the book, answer the following question. Winners will be contacted by email.
This competition has now closed and winners have been informed by email. Check gcn.ie/competitions for the latest.
© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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