The Easter Rising

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. It was the event that led eventually to the formation of the Irish Republic. In celebration of the centennial, there is a reenacted bus tour that visits some of the key locations in Dublin and is led by two actors who dramatize the experiences of some of those involved in this failed revolution.

The bus is a double decker but seats are only on the upper deck. Upon entering the lower deck, you are assaulted by the sounds and smells of the historical events, including passing through a dark, smoky passage. The female actor is shouting and cajoling with the tourists, portraying one of the rebels. Both actors remain in character for the entire tour.

We stopped at St. Stephen’s Green, City Hall, Dublin Castle and the GPO (General Post Office). The actors alternated between telling stories and acting out events, all in a very thick brogue.

The actors were amazing, fully committed to their parts. They portrayed the intensity of the experience, which included both humor and profound tragedy.

Frankly, while I knew something of the history, I hadn’t fully realized how many things went wrong, even before the rebellion began. It was doomed from the start. I wonder if this might have been the origin of “Murphy’s Law.” If not, it should have been.

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