Abuse of Children in Ireland Subject of Theatre Performance at Holy Cross

Irish playwright, actor and politician Gerard Mannix Flynn will give a special performance of “James X,” his one-man play recounting the experience of children abused by church and civil authorities in Ireland, on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. in The Pit, a black box theater located in the basement of O’Kane Hall. The performance, sponsored by the College’s Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J. Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture, is free and open to the public.

“James X” is the story of a middle-aged man called to testify before an Irish government tribunal of inquiry into institutions responsible for cruel and inhumane treatment of children. The fictional James spent the bulk of his childhood being abused by every state-sponsored, often Roman Catholic-run institution to which he was sent. As he waits in the court foyer to give his testimony, he realizes he will face the same system of government responsible for his abuse, and he tells his horrific story for the first time.

Flynn himself was a victim of abuse at a church-run industrial school in Letterfrack, Ireland. Flynn said his character James X is an amalgam of real boys who experienced neglect, bone-breaking corporal punishment, and molestation at that school and other Irish institutions.

“James X” has been performed in Ireland, as part of The Culture Project in New York City last December, and at the University of California at Berkeley in March. The performance was directed by well-known Irish actor Gabriel Byrne. It is produced by Flynn’s Farcry Productions.

Flynn’s other works include a 1983 novel, “Nothing to Say;” the plays “Inside,” “Hunger and Thirst,” and “Talking to the Wall’;” and a screenplay based on “Nothing to Say” titled “Alma Mater.” He was elected to the Dublin City Council in 2009.

Following the performance, which runs one hour and 20 minutes, there will be a question and answer session.

To learn more about McFarland Center events and to find lectures online, visit www.holycross.edu/mcfarlandcenter.

About the Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J. Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture:

Established in 2001 and housed in Smith Hall, the McFarland Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture provides resources for faculty and course development, sponsors conferences and college-wide teaching events, hosts visiting fellows, and coordinates a number of campus lecture series. Rooted in the College's commitment to invite conversation about basic human questions, the Center welcomes persons of all faiths and seeks to foster dialogue that acknowledges and respects differences, providing a forum for intellectual exchange that is interreligious, interdisciplinary, intercultural, and international in scope.  The Center also brings members of the Holy Cross community into conversation with the Greater Worcester community, the academic community, and