On the opening night of the 18th John Hewitt International Summer School (Monday 25th July), Armagh Theatre Group will perform “God’s Own City but The Devil’s Own People” in the Studio Theatre at The Market Place. This production is a collection of poetry, prose, drama and song that reflects Armagh city and its people in an interesting and humorous light.
John Hewitt is remembered as the 'father figure' and prophetic precursor of the current generation of Ulster poets. He was born in Belfast and educated at Methodist College and Queens University. He began writing poetry in the 1920's and his first collection No Rebel Word was produced in 1948. During the 1940's and 1950's he broadcast talks and composed essays reflecting his interest in the idea of 'regionalism' as it related to the arts in Ulster. He also established himself as a reviewer and art critic. In 1951 he gained the MA degree at Queens with a thesis on Ulster poets 1800-1870. Whilst working in Coventry he began working on his unpublished autobiography A North Light.
Between 1972 and 1987 he was remarkably productive, publishing seven poetry collections, a book on the rhyming weaver-poets of Antrim and Down, and monographs on the artists John Luke and Colin Middleton.
John Hewitt’s achievements have been recognised in his native place both during his lifetime and since. In 1978 the Arts Council for Northern Ireland produced a short film of his life and work and in 1981 he was made a Freeman of the city of Belfast. The University of Ulster and the Queens University of Belfast conferred honorary doctorates upon him. His lasting contribution to the arts in Ulster is celebrated at the John Hewitt International Summer School held each year.
The John Hewitt International Summer School has primarily been associated with his native Antrim: Garron Tower on the Antrim Coast. The festival was hosted in Armagh for the first time in 2003, and has returned twice since, due to the increasing success and popularity of the event.
“You say Armagh, and I see the hill
with the two tall spires or the square low tower;
the faith of Patrick is with us still;
his blessing falls in a moonlit hour,
when the apple orchards are all in flower”.
(‘Ulster Names’, Freehold and Other Poems, 1986 – courtesy of www.johnhewitt.org)
Armagh Theatre Group was delighted respond to the request of the John Hewitt International Summer School to perform “God’s Own City but The Devil’s Own People” as part of this year’s programme. The performance depicts a period of approximately 1000 years of the city’s history, from its alleged foundation at the time of St Patrick, to the late 20th century and the Armagh Railway disaster. This will be the first performance of this show since the Theatre Group recorded it on audio-cassette in the late 1980s. The very first production of “God’s Own City…” was performed by Armagh Theatre Group in the Ritz Cinema (where the Market Place is currently situated), 13th May 1976. The standard of facilities for both performers and audience have since improved!!!
For this year’s production the Armagh Theatre Group is pleased to welcome Keady singer/songwriter, Sean Mone, and the cast list also includes Sandra Armstrong, Laura Crilly, Malcom Dawson, Tim Hanna, Bridie Heaney, Madeleine Kelly, Malachy Kelly, Peter Kelly, Monique McKenna, Pat Quinn, Felim Rafferty and Bill Rennie.
“God’s Own City but The Devil’s Own People” is open to all. Tickets are available in advance from the Market Place Box Office on 028 3752 1821 and should also be available at the door on Monday, 25th July.
