Frank Stagg story coming to Mayo in new theatrical production
‘We Have Him Back!’ tells the story of the Mayo hunger striker and his family’s fight to fulfil his final wishes
A new theatrical production telling the story of Mayo hunger striker Frank Stagg and the extraordinary events surrounding his death and burial is coming to Castlebar’s Royal Theatre on October 10.
‘We Have Him Back!’ has already been performed to sold-out audiences across Ireland and recounts the events surrounding what became known as the “three funerals” of Frank Stagg.
The two-act play offers an account of a deeply painful chapter in Irish history, telling the story through the experiences of a mother watching her son die on hunger strike, a grieving wife confronting official falsehoods, and Frank’s brother George, whose determination ultimately ensured that his brother’s dying wish was fulfilled.
The Stagg family has given its support and blessing to the production. George Stagg, who lived through the events portrayed, said the play tells his brother’s story “with honesty, dignity and accuracy”.
“It honours not only his sacrifice, but the pain, courage and determination of our family in the face of Frank’s treatment even after his death,” he said.
Frank Stagg died in Wakefield Prison in February 1976 after 62 days on hunger strike. While British authorities agreed to return his remains to Ireland, his body was diverted to Shannon Airport on the orders of the Irish Government, while his family waited at Dublin Airport.
He was subsequently buried without his family’s permission in an isolated grave at Leigue Cemetery. Stagg had expressed a wish in his final will and testament to be buried beside fellow hunger striker Michael Gaughan in the republican plot.
Following his burial, the site was kept under round-the-clock surveillance and four tons of concrete were placed over the grave.
Four months later, on a wet and moonless November night, George Stagg and his compatriots embarked on a mission to ensure that Frank could finally rest in accordance with his wishes.
The play was written and directed by Belmullet man Brían MacSuibhne, who drew heavily on the experiences of members of the Stagg family.
“George Stagg made a promise to his brother, and George fulfilled that promise,” he said. “‘We Have Him Back!’ is not a story just about Frank – it’s about family and sibling love.”
Mr MacSuibhne hopes the production will introduce the story to audiences of all generations, including those who remember the events and younger people encountering the history for the first time.
“Fifty years ago, the truth was buried in concrete, censorship and lies,” he said. “This play is about uncovering that truth, about love between brothers, and a family who refused to let their son be erased from history.”
With a cast of 12 and a crew of eight, the production explores themes of family, State power and historical memory while bringing the story of Frank Stagg back into the public consciousness.
The Castlebar performance takes place at 8pm on October 10 at the Royal Theatre, with doors opening at 7pm. Tickets cost €24 plus booking fee and there is no reserved seating.