Episode 1 – The Documentary – broadcasts on Tues 4 January on RTÉ ONE with Episode 2 – The Drama – broadcasting the following Tuesday on RTÉ ONE
State Of Flux breathes dramatic new life into the arguments presented in the Anglo Irish Debates a century ago. This was the most important conversation in Irish history, and its fallout has defined our political landscape ever since.
After three years of violence and conflict, these were the words that fought for Irish freedom. A cliffhanger vote would decide the course of the nation’s history. Would the breakaway parliament ratify the controversial peace-deal signed with the British government?
Could a bloody and bitter civil war be avoided?
In STATE OF FLUX three leading Irish actors must step into the shoes of some of Ireland’s most revered patriots.
Marcus Lamb (Rebellion) plays Eamonn DeValera – can he truly get under the skin of this enigmatic outsider whose brooding presence towers over 20th century Ireland?
Ian Lloyd Anderson (Love/Hate) takes on the role of Irish history’s tragic alpha-male: Michael Collins. Can he unlock the man behind the myths of the Big Fella?Meanwhile, Hilary Rose (The Young Offenders) takes on the character of Mary MacSwiney, the TD who watched her brother – Cork Lord Mayor Terence Mac Swiney – die on hunger strike only months before.Among the other contributors who our actors meet are broadcaster David McCullagh, the political scientist Liam Weeks, the historian Liz Gillis, the GAA journalist Mick Foley and Mary Doorty; a 93 year childhood friend of DeValera in Bruree County Limerick, who talks on camera for the very first time. Renowned archivist Catriona Crowe will guide a talented cast through research while acclaimed writer Colin Murphy is faced with the task of distilling 250,000 words into 9 short, snappy dramatic scenes – relying purely on the verbatim transcripts of the Treaty Debates.
After months of preparation, the historic Round Room of the Mansion House is the setting for a nerve-racking once-off performance of the re-enactments.
State Of Flux was directed by one of Ireland’s most talented film directors Peter Murphy (Traders) The dramatic re-enactments of the Treaty Debates are being overseen by the award-winning screenwriter Colin Murphy. The writer behind Inside the GPO, The Bailout, The Guarantee and Trial of the Century has curated one hour of dramatic re-enactments, drawn entirely and faithfully from the 700 pages of verbatim transcripts of the Treaty Debates. The actors and Colin were assisted in the writing and rehearsals process by renowned archivist and broadcaster Catriona Crowe – the creator of her own acclaimed documentaries Life Before The Rising and Life After The Rising. For the final performance in the Mansion House, Catriona also fulfilled the role of Narrator.
STATE OF FLUX has been supported by the BAI Sound & Vision Fund Produced with the support of incentives for the Irish Film Industry provided by the Government of Ireland