A Terrible Beauty is Born – The Easter Rising, Ireland 1916

A Terrible Beauty is Born – The Easter Rising, Ireland 1916 will be Fermat’s next work of documentary theater One show only, and free as always. And with much music.

The Rising of 1916 was an ill-starred thing. Led by poets, actors, socialists and trade unionists, who had many fewer weapons than expected. One faction of the revolt published a countermanding order, so the rebel numbers were half of what they had counted on. But they proceeded and proclaimed an Irish Republic and sought to end 800 years of British rule. All who signed the Proclamation were executed, but not all at once – the British military dragged out the executions over many weeks. Machiavelli said that if rulers have bad news they should get it all out at one go. The British did not know their Machiavelli and public opinion, not favoring the rebels at first, became more outraged as the killings dragged on, and the utter destruction of Dublin’s center (and hundreds of innocent civilians) by British artillery more widely known. And within five years Ireland would be a free republic, though not without more blood and struggle.

Produced by Fermat's Last Theater Company at ArtLitLab, 111 S. Livingston in Madison

Performances: April 26, 2025

Performance Times:
Saturday April 26 7:30 PM – the evening before
Easter. One show only, and free
as always. And with much music.

Free admission

Call for reservations or more information.