Rex Ryan on his new show ‘The Witness’
Summary
Rex Ryan, founder of Glass Mask Theatre, discusses his new one-man show *The Witness*, based on the true story of Joey O'Callaghan, the youngest person placed in witness protection in Ireland. Ryan explores how the play dramatizes O'Callaghan's childhood grooming and abuse within a gang, aiming to immerse the audience in the victim's traumatic mindset. The conversation also touches on Ryan's previous controversial work, *The Monk*, and his artistic philosophy regarding the intensity and purpose of live theatre.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Rex Ryan and The Witness
How Rex Ryan discovered the source material
Background on Joey O'Callaghan's true story
The grooming process and audience reactions
Staging, technology, and the one-man show format
Comparison with previous show The Monk
Themes of Dublin gangland and media truth
Respecting audience intelligence and interpretation
The intensity and risk of live theatre
Legacy of his father, the broadcaster
Closing remarks and new show dates
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