Reviews of EASTER RISING: THE LAST WORDS OF PATRICK PEARSE

PEARSE ON STAGE: A Play by Brian Gordon Sinclair

Reviewed by Viv D'Arcy: Canadian Irish Press Magazine

At the time of writing I am not sure just when Brian Gordon Sinclair will bring his Easter Rising: The Last Words Of Patrick Pearse to the Toronto area, but, when he does, make sure you take time to see the show. This production, written, directed, and performed by Brian, is like nothing you have ever seen about the 1916 Rising. This one-man show recounts the last days of Pearse, through sound, slides, and music by Danny Doyle. However, the most lasting impression is the on-stage presence of Sinclair himself. As he tells the story of the Rising, you are transported back in time to those few heroic days that would eventually bring about the establishment of the modern state of Ireland. It is no small measure the talent of the actor that allows you, for the short two hours of the play, to forget that he is indeed a thespian and not the great man himself.

The work that goes with not only acting in this production, but also writing and producing it, is monumental, but all credit to Brian, he pulled it off with wonderful aplomb.

Brian Gordon Sinclair is a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada and has a Master of Arts degree in Theatre from the University of Denver. He has also studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and at the National Film Board of Canada. A recipient of the Sir Tyrone Guthrie Award for Acting at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, he has performed in Denmark, Holland, Poland, and on the stage of the Moscow Art Theatre in Russia.

From those of us who made the trip to partake of this event, we say, "Well done, Brian, well done!"

BREAKING NEWS! Look out for the new CD Audio Book of Brian's play.


EASTER RISING: THE AUDIO BOOK

Review by Martin Donlevy

Sounds of rifle fire and booming cannons filled the night at the Dora Keogh Irish Pub on Dec. 5 as a large group of proud Irishmen and Irishwomen gathered for the release of the new Audio Book, Easter Rising: The Last Words Of Patrick Pearse. This two CD set relates the chronicles of the 1916 Uprising by a band of revolutionaries attempting to overthrow their English oppressors in a valiant bid for freedom and independence. Led by Patrick Pearse, a philosopher, poet and teacher, these brave men and women took over the General Post Office plus other important strategic buildings in Dublin and valiantly held them against incredible odds for six long days, during which time, much of Dublin was destroyed. Their defeat and deaths by firing squad at Kilmainham Jail spurred the Irish people to a resurgence of nationalism which led to independence, at least for part of the Emerald Isle.

This fascinating saga is the heart-felt effort of Brian Gordon Sinclair, a proud Irish-Canadian professional actor, director, author and educator. Following extensive research in Ireland, he wrote, produced and starred in Easter Rising: The Last Words Of Patrick Pearse. After its successful stage debut, he decided that a CD Audio Book was the best vehicle for giving Irish people everywhere the opportunity to reclaim a piece of their heritage. Although the story is well known, it's quite surprising that this is the first and only dramatic production depicting the Easter Rising.

Brian, with his rich, mellow voice is a superb storyteller! He treats listeners to a wonderful stirring evening of theatre in the comfort of their own homes. Never has history seemed so enthralling and exciting. I know for a fact that many copies of the CD leapt off the shelf and are, at this moment, winging their way to friends and relatives in Ireland as Christmas presents.

A review from Audiofile Magazine

Audio Theater

EASTER RISING
Brian Gordon Sinclair
Read by Brian Gordon Sinclair
The "Children of Erin" Theatre Company , 2002 / ©2001
Format: cassettes / 2 hrs. / Retail pak
ISBN /
Audio Theater Audio Program

Brian Gordon Sinclair wrote, produced, and performed this eye-witness account of the 1916 Dublin uprising, as viewed by Patrick Pearse, an insurgent executed by the British for his role in the fighting. Originally a stage piece, the story has been thoroughly reworked for audio, with a discrete and canny use of sound effects, music, and ancillary voices. His own voice is exciting, his delivery dramatic and measured. His is an exciting and moving interpretation of Irish history, not without humor and, above all, immensely human. Y.R. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 02]