Verdant Productions & GDI Productions

Guerilla Days in Ireland

Adapted and Directed
by NEIL PEARSON

WHO WAS TOM BARRY?

Guerilla Days in Ireland is undoubtedly one of the greatest biographical accounts of the War of Independence ever written; and it’s author, Tom Barry, one of it’s most brilliant and controversial fi gures. Barry (1 July 1897 - 2 July 1980) was one of the most prominent guerrilla leaders in the Irish Republican Army during the Irish War of Independence and one of the greatest innovators of modern guerilla warfare.

In 1915, during World War I, he enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery at Cork and became a soldier in the British Army. As well as fighting in Egypt, Russia, Italy and France; Barry also fought in the infamous battle of Kut-el-Amara – in present day Iraq. There, in a war communique posted to the front, Barry first heard of the Easter Rising. This was to become the pivotal moment of his life.

In 1920, soon after his return home, Barry joined the 3rd West Cork Brigade of the Irish Republican Army. His skills as a military strategist and his bravery in battle soon gained him a central role and he was quickly appointed brigade-training officer and soon after Commander of the Flying Column. The West Cork Brigade became famous for its discipline, efficiency and bravery, and Barry garnered a reputation as the most brilliant field commander of the war.

This thrilling production is a world first in its presentation of Barry’s account.

"A shattering experience…You won’t see theatre of this quality very often. Beg, borrow, steal a ticket, but get to see it" Irish Theatre Irish Examiner ★★★★★