Tipperary woman debuts new play in London to rave reviews
Kaci Kerwick wrote the play ‘Republic of Silence’, which was performed at London’s Peckham Fringe Festival
Thurles local Kaci Kerwick opened her play ‘Republic of Silence’ to rave reviews at London’s Peckham Fringe Festival.
Based on the true stories of survivors from Seán Ross Abbey, ‘Republic of Silence' explores the culture of silence around Irish institutions.
The play dives into the reality for girls sent to the ‘home’ as well as the ongoing fight for justice.
The play opens with caretaker Colm discovering a series of unmarked graves at Seán Ross.
This discovery leads to a reckoning with the power of the church, and a movement for justice is brought to a head.
In this parallel timeline, in 1965, two pregnant young girls, Aisling and Niamh, hear whispers of stolen babies, missing girls and violence within the ‘Home’.
But when Niamh witnesses the secrets behind these rumours, the girls rage against the catholic institution that cages them and fight for survival.
Kaci wrote the play to challenge who gets to decide what history is told, and what stories remain silent.
“There are records to show 1,090 babies were born at Seán Ross, but the church only has burial records for 269. Despite these facts, the Government has refused to excavate the land at Seán Ross. Survivors are being sent on a wild goose chase to obtain their records and the Redress Scheme is just another way to silence former residents, with those receiving money signing away their legal rights.
“Although Seán Ross closed in 1970, the play remains extremely relevant. During the rehearsal process, another 36 infant remains were uncovered at Tuam Mother and Baby home. As well as the approval of planning permission on the site of a former home in Bessborough, Cork, where over 900 children died, only 63 of which have been identified.”
‘Republic of Silence’ will make its Tipperary debut later this year with official dates to be announced.
If you would like to get in touch with Kaci, you can contact her via [email protected].