Having moved “behind enemy lines” into a loyalist housing estate, art student Liam is having the time of his life, partying through the night and romancing the local girls. One morning though the fun stops, as he is awakened from his latest hangover by a sharp knock at the door. Head of the local “community association”, Bob, invites himself inside and presents his plans to paint a new paramilitary mural on the wall of Liam’s end-terrace house. Not only that, Bob claims that they like to consult the residents in the process and Liam is given a choice from a list of progressively more violent and controversial designs. Equal parts offended and terrified, Liam tries his best to veto each concept on its artistic merits alone, all the while struggling to keep his Catholic heritage hidden from an increasingly suspicious Bob.
Through a darkly comedic lens, Flags & Emblems explores the legacy of conflict in Northern Ireland, contrasting the experiences of those who lived through it and those born in its aftermath, as well as how the glorification of violence continues to linger in plain sight.
“Disclaimer: contains strong, discriminatory language.”
The Director, Thomas Pollock says “It has been a pleasure working with Andrew, Richard and Saorlaoíth on bringing this bold and frankly hilarious show to the stage. For me, what is at the core of this story is addressing the importance of reflecting on culture and identity without taking everything so seriously. Comedy helps disarm and allows for more open discussion on topics such as what Flags & Emblems explores, which at its root asks us the question of why is it certain aspects of our history and identity are given their importance? What makes it such a contentious topic and where does that leave us moving forward? I believe it is important to ask these questions in artistic endeavours and it doesn’t have to be sombre. Flags & Emblems as a whole blends the likes of physical comedy and scenarios as you would see in something like Fawlty Towers with political humour in a way I think people will get a big laugh out of. And in today’s climate, I think we could all use that.”
- Wednesday 2nd July – Saturday 5th July 2025
- 7:30PM
- The Sanctuary Theatre Mountpottinger NSP Church, 1a Castlereagh St, Belfast BT5 4NE
More information and booking (ticketsource)
Flags & Emblems Press Release (pdf)
