Local Tallaght actor Stephen Jones joined us for a conversation on his latest play 100 More Like These: The Story of the San Patricios.
Can you tell us a bit about your background? Where did you grow up?
I grew up here in Tallaght. I’m from Glenview Park. My parents still live there so I’m back there all the time. I went to Tallaght Community School before studying in UCD and very randomly getting involved in acting as a hobby which somehow has led to a career.
Tell us about the story of 100 More Like These…
100 More Like These is a fascinating story about forgotten Irishmen who were immigrants to the United States before and during the Famine in Ireland. Joining the U.S Army was the only option for many of them in order to secure work and citizenship but when the United States started a war with Mexico (basically just to steal their land) many of these Irishmen were subjected to anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic attitudes from their own comrades. They saw what the U.S was doing to the Mexicans, who were Catholic peasant farmers and it was exactly what Britain had been doing to Ireland. Seeing that connection many Irishmen and other foreigners decided to change sides and they fought with the Mexicans. Under the command of John Riley from Clifden, Co. Galway they formed a battalion known as The San Patricios or The St. Patricks Batallion. They are heroes to this day in Mexico but virtually unknown here. We learn the true story of these men through the eyes of a fictional character Thomas O’Byrne, who is looking back on his time in the army and with the San Patricios.
How did you first come across the play?
The play was written specifically for me to perform almost 9 years ago by author Larry O’Loughlin. Larry had been my Creative Writing mentor in a group run out of Tallaght Library. Once I began acting in college Larry had this story and thought it could be a one man play along the lines of Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer which has recently been back to The Civic.
What attracted you to it?
I have a History degree from UCD and yet I had never heard of the story. I was fascinated to hear of this strange connection between Mexico and Ireland and I loved the bravery and the passion that these men had for each other, for Ireland but most importantly for the Mexican people whom they felt were being exploited and oppressed. As an actor too, the idea of somebody writing a piece for you to perform is unbelievable. To be the first person to create and give life to these true life men is a great privilege.
This is a one man show – what are the challenges of a play like this?
Well I play close to 30 characters in the play. So it’s important to make them all very distinctive both physically and vocally. It’s just me on the stage with very little props or set so it relies purely on that connection with the audience. You have to believe in the story that you’re telling and take people on that journey, make them see it, make them come back to the late 1840’s, make them smell Boston and Texas and Mexico. It’s a magical feeling when you know an audience is with you. But it’s quite scary knowing there are no other actors to help you out!
Who is the protagonist Thomas O’Byrne?
Thomas is a 12 year old boy at the time of the U.S/Mexican war. He has arrived from Dublin to Boston on one of the infamous ‘coffin ships’ to escape the Famine with his family. However, his Mother has tragically died on the way to America aged only 35. His Father is a drunk and his two older brothers Brendan and Ciarán have left Boston to find work elsewhere. At 12, he is very street smart and picks up little odd jobs around the place.One day he gets into trouble with his neighbour Mick Foley and they have no option but to join the U.S Army to escape arrest. At that time you had to be 16 to officially join but there were boys as young as 12 being signed up and made experience the horors of war.
Thomas is the narrator and he is telling the story of the war and more importantly the Irish San Patricios as he looks back on events from Mexico where he now lives.
Can you give us an insight into The San Patricio Batallion and their story?
During the three years of the American-Mexican war (1846-48) some 3000 immigrant soldiers deserted the American Army. More than 500 of these- mainly Irish – joined the Mexican side where, led by John Riley from Clifden, Co. Galway, they fought as The San Patricio (St. Patrick’s) Battalion. Although their sacrifice is often overlooked – or ignored – by history these days, huge numbers of Mexicans still hold the brave soldiers in high esteem. The play’s title is taken from a quote attributed to the Mexican leader, General Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna: “With a hundred more like these men of Riley’s we could have won this war”These men saw the connection between how Ireland was being treated by Britain and how Mexico was being treated by the United States. They were standing up for themselves, for immigrants, for freedom of Religion and against all the odds fought against imperialism and empire.
Have you performed this play before?
I have performed the play several times over the years and I’m very proud to say that it started in The Loose End Studio nearly 9 years ago to the day I return there. I’m very honoured to bring the show back to Tallaght after so long. It has also been performed in Draiocht, Clifden in Galway, Belmullet, The Scariff Arts Festival, at Electric Picnic several times and most recently at The Viking Theatre in Clontarf to critical acclaim. It’s a unique story so I’m hoping people come out to see it and have a good night.
Who do you think would enjoy this play?
Anybody who enjoys a good aul yarn. It really is a fascinating story. Anybody who enjoys History, Irish interest stories and a good underdog story. There’s very funny moments in the story, there’s great characters and it’s also deeply moving and full of passion. Anybody who enjoyed Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer recently or over the years I think would really enjoy this show. And if you enjoy seeing one person transform into 30 characters then this one is for you!
Are you looking forward to coming back home and performing in the Civic, Tallaght?
Of course. It’s my favourite venue. I’m very proud to be from Tallaght and I always tell people where I’m from. It has shaped who I am and I always feel a great sense of pride and excitement whenever I’m involved in a show that goes to The Civic. I was back recently with ‘Class’ as part of The Dublin Theatre Festival and loved it. So I’m hoping that people will come out and support this for the 4 nights I’m there. I promise a great night out… Tallaght style!
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100 More Like These- The Story of the San Patricios
Tuesday 7th – Friday 10th, 8.15pm
Tickets €16/€14
