Sutherland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3126-4749 (2010) ‘Embedded’ actors as markers of authenticity: Acting the real in ‘Troubles’ docudramas. Studies in Documentary Film, 4 (3). pp. 267-281.

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Abstract

Bloody Sunday and Sunday (both 2002) and Omagh (2004) achieved critical acclaim for their portrayal of the events of 30 January 1972 and 15 August 1998. Both productions contained casts drawn from across Ireland and Northern Ireland, including performers such as Gerard McSorley. Originally from the town of Omagh, his connection with the town has been credited with bringing a deeper resonance to performance. This article considers how Irish or Northern Irish ‘embedded actors’ view and approach acting with facts. Asking the questions ‘How do the actors prepare to take on and research these “real roles”?’, ‘To whom or what is the actor responsible?’, and ‘How and to what extent does an actor's own views or relationship to the subject-matter affect or influence their approach to performing a factual character?’, this article draws attention to the acting choices and processes behind these docudramas about the ‘Troubles’. The article seeks to establish the significance of the real events covered to the actors' own lives, and considers how this may affect the way audiences view and understand Northern Ireland's recent history.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.1386/sdf.4.3.267_1
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN1990 Broadcasting
School/Department:	School of Education, Language and Psychology
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/14625

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