Major Mayo theatre production to mark 50th anniversary of Frank Stagg’s death

A landmark new theatre production commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of Mayo republican Frank Stagg is set to open in Belmullet this May before touring nationwide.

“We Have Him Back!”, written by Belmullet native Brían MacSuibhne, will premiere with a two-night run at the Áras Inis Gluaire on May 15 and 16, 2026, before embarking on a tour across every province, including dates in Dublin, Belfast, Donegal and Cork.

The production marks five decades since the death of Frank Stagg, the Mayo man who died in February 1976 after his fourth hunger strike in Wakefield Prison in England.

A story rooted in Mayo

Stagg’s death and burial became one of the most controversial episodes of the prison struggle of the 1970s. Following his death, his body was buried against his wishes and those of his family in an unmarked grave, which was subsequently covered in concrete by the Irish Government.

READ MORE: Large crowd gathered in Ballina to mark 50th anniversary of Frank Stagg’s death

Twenty-two months later, his brother George Stagg exhumed his remains and reinterred him in the republican plot in Ballina, fulfilling a promise made to his brother.

The new production has been developed with the full permission and input of the Stagg family. According to organisers, it presents an historically accurate and deeply human account of the hunger strikes, the forced feeding carried out by British prison authorities, and the determination of the Stagg family in the aftermath of his death.

A family’s voice

The play tells the story through the voices of family members — a mother watching her son die, a wife confronting official narratives, a sister trying to understand events, and a brother determined that history would not be silenced.

It also incorporates documented conversations and references to world and national news, music, fashion and social life in 1970s Ireland, placing the personal tragedy within its broader historical context.

Speaking ahead of the premiere, writer Brían MacSuibhne said: “Fifty years ago, the truth of what happened to Frank Stagg and his family was buried in concrete, censorship and lies. This play is about uncovering that truth, about love between brothers, and about a family who refused to let their son be erased from history.”

READ MORE: Black Flag vigil held in Mayo town to commemorate Frank Stagg

A spokesperson for the Stagg family said the production tells Frank’s story “with honesty, dignity and accuracy” and honours both his sacrifice and the family’s determination.

Heritage and commemoration

The production is being presented as a major heritage and commemorative project, exploring themes of family, human rights, state power, censorship and historical memory.

Organisers have noted that some scenes are graphic in nature and are not suitable for children.

Following its Mayo premiere, the tour will bring the production from the west of Ireland to audiences across the country, ensuring the story of Frank Stagg is revisited 50 years on from his death.

Further details, including a full digital press pack and interview availability, are expected to be released in the coming weeks.