The idea behind this production began in the corner of a small local pub in Dundee, Scotland. As Paul Murphie and Austin Hayden indulged themselves with pints of Tenants, they began to talk philosophy and literature. Both having a fondness for the oeuvre of French Existentialist Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, the discussion turned to the possibility of performing one of his plays. Paul, having just completed an in-depth study of Les Mains Sales (Dirty Hands in English), suggested they try it out, and considering the political and existential content of the play, Austin was immediately on board.

After a few months of preparation, script edits, auditions, and rewrites, a cast and crew were assembled to make the discussion manifest. Austin recruited Tom Moriarty and Mariel McAllan from the illustrious Acting Coach Scotland acting ensemble and Paul brought on board three young, talented, and experienced Dundee theatre veterans: Steve Bangs, Hannah Brown, and Thomas Sloan. The final touches were applied when DBS Productions decided to take this show and give it the perfect stage for its Fringe debut: Sweet Venues Grassmarket, The Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh.

The play follows the existential journey of Hugo Barine, a young, militant intellectual anarchist, who leaves the comforts of his wealthy American life to join the IRA cause in the 80s. Taken in by the IRA, he is soon given his first chance to really act. He is commissioned to assassinate ‘Moriarty’, a leader within the IRA’s political wing, Sinn Fein. But as Hugo soon discovers, doing one’s duty is never black and white. Even the purest of motives, the quickest of actions, the most final of outcomes are marred by ambiguity.

This updated retelling of the Sartrean classic is both faithful to the existential drama scripted by Sartre and also novel in its re-situating of the era and location. It promises to excite, intrigue, and challenge all audience members; those new to the story and those familiar with the original.

We are raising funds to pay for production costs and lodging for the cast and crew for the duration of the run in Edinburgh. Total costs are over £1000 so any bit of support will help tremendously!

Thank you so much for your support!!!

Sincerely,

The Cast and Crew of Dirty Hands

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