The Young Irelanders in Van Diemen's Land — A musical history is a one-hour themed concert that uses images, spoken word and relevant music from the period to tell the story of seven political prisoners transported to Van Diemen's Land during the Great Irish Famine. The concert highlights their musical interactions, including gatherings at Bothwell, Fenton Forest (west of New Norfolk), Glen Connell (west of Campbell Town), Hobart's Campbell Street Gaol and the shores of Lake Sorell. Several of the prisoners were gifted writers; the concert includes readings that provide fascinating insights on life in Ireland and Tasmania in the mid-19th century.
The script for the concert was developed by John Hickey and encouraged by a grant from the Folk Federation of Tasmania. The concert is performed by members drawn from Tasmania's traditional Irish music community (and beyond).
The concert is best performed in an auditorium with screening facilities and an 8-channel sound desk, but can be adapted to smaller acoustic venues. A shortened version of around 30 minutes can also be delivered as a typical concert bracket as part of a larger program.
