Play tells the stories of Peter Robinson settlers
Two centuries ago, before the Great Famine, more than 500 families from North Cork, Southeast Limerick and the Ballyhoura region set sail from Cobh to begin anew in Ontario.
This September, a powerful new play bringing to life one of the most poignant chapters in Irish-Canadian history is set to premiere in Cork.
The newly commissioned play is called ‘The Robinson Experiment’ and it will run from 15-21 September at The Schoolyard Theatre in Charleville.
Presented by CallBack Theatre, the play is part of the Ballyhoura region’s bicentennial commemoration of the Peter Robinson settlers.
Written and directed by acclaimed playwright John Sheehy and produced by Cora Fenton, ‘The Robinson Experiment’ explores the emotional journey of a Munster family preparing to emigrate to Canada in 1825 under the British government’s Peter Robinson Resettlement Scheme.
The scheme saw families leave Ireland in search of a better life, departing on 11 ships from the Port of Cove in 1823 and 1825, bound for the Ottawa and Ontario regions of Canada.
Rather than a historical retelling, Sheehy’s script delves into the human experience, capturing the fear, hope, humour, and heartbreak of those leaving and those left behind.
“I wanted to let the characters speak for themselves. To imagine their dreams, their doubts, and the courage it took to face the unknown,” explains Sheehy.
CallBack theatre, founded in 2001 by John Sheehy and Cora Fenton, has earned national acclaim for its emotionally resonant and thought-provoking productions.
With ‘The Robinson Experiment’, the company continues its tradition of excellence, supported once again by Ballyhoura Development whose long-standing commitment to the arts has helped bring local stories to national stages.
Sheila Queally, board member of The Schoolyard Theatre, expressed pride in hosting the production. “This is exactly the kind of community-focused, high-quality work our theatre was built to support.”
The play is the centrepiece of a weeklong programme of events commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson settlers. During the week, over 120 international visitors, descendants of those early emigrants, are expected to travel to the Ballyhoura region to reconnect with their roots and honour their ancestors’ legacy.
The homecoming will begin on 15 September, with a week of celebrations culminating in a commemorative event at Griston Bog, Ballyhoura, on 21 September.
Throughout the event week, Ballyhoura communities will have the opportunity to engage with returning descendants, share local stories, and celebrate the shared cultural heritage of the region.
Tickets for the play are now on sale and selling fast on eventbrite.ie.
More information is available at visitballyhoura.com.