Prepare for a tragic yet comedic play by Brendan Behan!- Tickets Now Available!

Join us from February 20 to March 8,2025.

The Hostage is a tragic yet comedic play by Brendan Behan, first performed in 1958. Set in a seedy Dublin lodging house, the play explores themes of nationalism, violence, and human absurdity through a mix of farce, satire, and poignant drama.

The plot revolves around Leslie Williams, a young, naive British soldier who is kidnapped by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) as a bargaining tool for an imprisoned Irish nationalist facing execution in Belfast. The boarding house, run by the colorful and pragmatic Pat and his feisty partner Meg, serves as the backdrop for a chaotic mix of characters—prostitutes, ex-revolutionaries, and misfits—who bring humor and irreverence to the tense situation.

As Leslie awaits his fate, he forms a touching bond with Teresa, a young and innocent housemaid. Their relationship highlights the play’s central irony: despite their opposing national allegiances, they are just two young people caught in a conflict beyond their control. The situation spirals into absurdity and tragedy as political posturing and comic misunderstandings escalate toward an inevitable and darkly ironic conclusion.

Blending songs, satire, and social commentary, The Hostage challenges the romanticism of armed struggle while exposing the absurdity of violence and ideological extremism.