How to bury a dead mule returns to the Lyric Theatre
Date Posted: August 16, 2022
How To Bury A Dead Mule returns to the Lyric Theatre for 6 nights from Tuesday 6th September. Written and performed by Richard Clements and directed by Matthew McElhinney, the performance tells the story of Norman Clements, Royal Irish Fusilier, his experiences of the front line battles of North Africa, Sicily and Italy during World War Two, and his subsequent struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
How To Bury A Dead Mule is supported by Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive, Northern Ireland War Memorial, Clear Pharmacy, Doyle Shipping Group, Barn Theatre and Rathmore Productions.
An evocative and compelling powerful piece, at times harrowing and uniquely thought provoking. Richard takes the audience on an affecting and beautifully imaginative journey into the heart of a man trying to regain a foothold in society.
The story unfolds as he conjures up the old Tonic Cinema in Bangor, and welcomes in the ghosts of his past, the old projector flickers, the dust settles and for the first time Norman Clements finds his voice.
Richard Clements, Grandson of Norman Clements, has written this one man show with original music and also performs in it, taking the audience on a rollercoaster journey of emotions , highlighting the effect of the experience of war and it’s impact on one man’s life, while showing the shared experience of so many who serve, even in the current day. He commented: “How to Bury a Dead Mule is my tribute to my Grandfather, and others like him, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in fighting for their country, my attempt to keep those old stories alive through the magic of music and theatre and to give the audience a glimpse of what it was like to be around a man deeply impacted by his experiences.”
Matthew McElhinney, Director said: “The opportunity to work on this deep and probing piece by Richard Clements about his late grandfather is a privilege and a pleasure for me to direct, and I am excited about the play’s very bright future”.
Northern Ireland’s Screen Digital Film Archive added: “Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive is thrilled to be part of Richard’s journey in bringing his Grandfather’s story to life and in helping preserve a valuable part of our cultural heritage.”
Clear Pharmacy commented: “Clear Pharmacy is delighted to support Richard on his journey from early concept to full realisation of a powerful and emotive theatrical tour de force.”
Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum said: “The Northern Ireland War Memorial is delighted to support this theatre event which highlights a personal, and yet universal, story of war and its aftermath.”
Doyle Shipping Group added: “Doyle Shipping Group have long supported the Arts in Northern Ireland and are delighted to engage with How to Bury a Dead Mule, a fascinating story that deserves wider recognition.”
How to Bury a Dead Mule begins on Tuesday 6th September until Sunday 10th September in the Naughton Studio at the Lyric Theatre. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
