A woman, a gunshot and a story that is very rarely told

On 7 April 1926, Dublin-born aristocrat Violet Gibson stepped forward in a crowded Roman square, took aim, and fired a revolver at Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini.

The bullet missed its target, but the story lives on as one of the most remarkable, often overlooked pieces of Irish history, and now the story is coming to the stage in Cork city.

From 22-25 July, Cork writer and actor, Alice Barry, will perform her highly acclaimed one-woman show ‘Violet Gibson: The Woman Who Shot Mussolini’ at the Cork Arts Theatre on Carroll’s Quay, Cork city.

Gibson was 49 when she made the assassination attempt. Though she took the shot from point-blank range, her target moved his head at the last minute, distracted by a group of Boy Scouts singing ‘Giovinezza’, the official hymn of the Italian National Fascist Party.

The bullet instead grazed the tip of his nose.

Through a stirring blend of drama, emotion, and historical accuracy, the play, directed by Jason Byrne, sheds a rare light on the complexities of Gibson's life, motivations, and the turbulent era in which she lived.

Gibson’s daring act shook the world and left an indelible mark. The play offers an opportunity to delve into the psyche of a suppressed Victorian woman who defied societal norms and challenged the political establishment of her time.

From her privileged upbringing in Ireland as the daughter of a lord, to her conversion from Protestantism to Catholicism and eventual confrontation with fascism, audiences will witness the gripping journey of a woman driven by conviction and courage.

Cork native Alice Barry is the powerhouse behind the production. Barry has established herself as a versatile figure in the realms of writing, acting, producing, and directing since graduating from The Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College, in 1995. She holds a certificate in screenwriting from the prestigious UCLA and has furthered her academic journey with a master's degree in creative writing from UCC.

For Barry, ‘Violet Gibson: The Woman Who Shot Mussolini’ is more than just a theatrical production; it's a timely exploration of power, resistance, and the enduring legacy of individuals who dare to challenge injustice.

‘Violet Gibson: The Woman Who Shot Mussolini’ runs at Cork Arts Theatre from 22-25 July. For booking, visit corkartstheatre.com.