‘I’d like the people to know I’m not an animal. Did I cause harm? Yes.
Should I be punished? Of course. But do I deserve my human rights? Absolutely I do.’
★★★★ ‘Superbly slippery piece of theatre’ - The Stage
The Examination is the award-winning production by Brokentalkers exploring mental health and human rights in the prison system. Performed by Brokentalkers’ Gary Keegan and stand-up comedian and former prisoner Willie White.
Featuring Brokentalkers’ distinctive blend of biography, socio-political discourse and breath taking theatricality, The Examination draws on historical research and testimony from current and former prisoners. With powerful imagery and a visceral sound scape, The Examination is an uncompromising and revelatory interrogation of an aspect of society too often ignored.
★★★★ 'No easy escapes in Brokentalkers’ sly, provocative play' - The Irish Times
The Examination is the outcome of a 12-month research period, that saw Brokentalkers’ directors Gary Keegan and Feidlim Cannon hold theatre workshops and interviews with life sentence prisoners and former prisoners in various settings including Mountjoy Prison and PACE Training and Education Services. They have also drawn on wider historical analysis undertaken by Associate Professor Catherine Cox (UCD) and Professor Hilary Marland.
Best Production – Irish Times Theatre Awards 2020
Best Soundscape (Denis Clohessy) – Irish Times Theatre Awards 2020
Best Production – Dublin Fringe Festival 2019
Best Performer (Willie White) – Dublin Fringe Festival 2019
★★★★ 'Again and again, 'The Examination' pulls the rug out from under you' - Fest
The Examination is a collaboration with Professor Catherine Cox, as part of the Wellcome Trust Award for Prisoners, Medical Care and Entitlement to Health in England and Ireland, 1850-2000 and is supported by UCD Research. Originally commissioned by UCD School of History. The Examination National Tour is funded by The Arts Council Touring Award.
Credits
Written & Directed by Feidlim Cannon & Gary Keegan
Creative Produced by Rachel Bergin
Research by Associate Professor Catherine Cox
Set Design by Ger Clancy
Sound Design by Denis Clohessy
Lighting Design by Stephen Dodd
Costume Design by Sarah Foley
Animation Design / Illustration: Gareth Gowran
Movement Direction by Eddie Kay
Performed by Willie White & Gary Keegan
Duration 65 mins. No interval
16+ Strong language, themes of mental health & addiction
