Twelve Days in May is an extraordinary piece of Theatre revealing the high drama & horrendous trauma, experienced by the family of Revolutionary Leader “James Connolly” during the last Days of his life. As the great Labour Leader lies seriously injured in Dublin Castle Military Hospital, his family hold on to the faintest sliver of hope that the authorities will refrain from executing the injured Prisoner of War. As Connolly’s life hangs in the balance, this clever piece of Theatre contrasts the enduring love & strength of the Connolly family through this anguish, with the starkness & clinical dealings of the Military, Press & Politicians. Their decisions would change the course of History.

“The great are only great because we are on our knees... ARISE”-James Connolly

We believe that Twelve Days in May has the potential to reach beyond the average Theatre going audience.

In an era where Irish people have to re-examine and reclaim our value system, this play will reveal the sacrifices and idealism of the men & women of the early 1900’s. All of the things that we take for granted today, from universal suffrage, minimum wage to religious & civil liberty, owe their origin to the creators of the 1916 Proclamation.

Twelve Days in May will instil a renewed love of history in students of any age & put flesh and blood on these iconic figures from our history books.

This play has a particular appeal for women; the depiction of Lillie Connolly and her daughters highlights the hugely significant role played by women in the foundation of this State, women who have almost been airbrushed out of history.

Twelve Days in May is not a polemic, it is not a political play or a piece of soapbox. It is a wonderfully woven tapestry of family, love, sacrifice and faith in a better future.

Every nation needs its heroes but often extraordinary deeds are done by ordinary people.

In Association with Dublin City Council and SIPTU