The Laughing Boy
By Jack Harte
The New Theatre
Alexandra, a Greek student involved in radical politics at her university in Athens, arrives in Dublin in the autumn of 1963 to locate Brendan Behan and invite him to Greece for an appearance that will boost the profile of her Student Socialist Movement. Ironically the Greek public are unaware of Behan’s notoriety on the English and American circuits, but his song, The Laughing Boy, has become the inspirational anthem of the political Left in Greece.
Alexandra is confronted with two Behans, the celebrity that has forsaken serious writing for the promotion of his image and the enjoyment of his success, and the serious writer who has been smothered by the notoriety and the extravagant lifestyle. Which of them should she invite? She is caught in the vitriolic exchanges between the two, but does add to her already extensive knowledge of her hero. She sees that Behan is clearly nearing his death at the age of forty, and offers him the chance of a new beginning in Greece – as an anonymous writer!
The New Theatre wish to acknowledge the The Arts Council, Dublin City Council and Dublin City of Literature UNESCO for their continued support of TNT and all New Writing play readings and productions.
Doors Open: 12:45
We ask that ticket holders present themselves in front of The New Theatre by 12:55.
Warm clothing including gloves recommended.
