IRISH THEATRE BERLIN: The Examination

In the organizer's words:

Brokentalkers' award-winning production explores mental health and human rights in the prison system. With haunting imagery and a deeply moving soundscape, The Examination is an uncompromising and insightful interrogation of an aspect of society that is all too often overlooked. Captivatingly performed by Gary Keegan (Brokentalkers) and stand-up comedian and former inmate Willie White.

Brokentalkers' distinctive blend of biography, socio-political discourse and breathtaking theatrics draws on historical research and testimony from current and former prisoners.

"I want people to know that I am not an animal. Did I cause harm? Yes. Should I be punished? Yes, of course. But do I deserve my human rights? Yes, by all means."

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

The review is the result of a 12-month research phase in which Gary Keegan and Feidlim Cannon, the directors of Brokentalkers, conducted theater workshops and interviews with life-sentenced prisoners and ex-prisoners in various institutions such as Mountjoy Prison and the PACE Training and Education Service. They also drew on a wider historical analysis conducted by Associate Professor Catherine Cox (UCD) and Professor Hilary Marland.

IRISH THEATRE BERLIN is part of Zeitgeist Ireland 24, an initiative of Culture Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland in Germany.