‘Say Nothing’ Creators and Cast Talk the Pressures of Portraying the Struggles of Northern Ireland: ‘You Have to Earn the Right to Tell That Story’

As a reader who has delved into the world of literature and watched countless adaptations, I must say that Patrick Radden Keefe’s “Say Nothing” stands out as a masterpiece. The book’s portrayal of Northern Ireland during The Troubles was not just an outsider’s perspective but a deeply immersive, authentic narrative that resonated with many.

As a U.S. citizen, author Patrick Radden Keefe recognized that crafting the narrative about Northern Ireland’s turbulent 1970s in his book “Say Nothing” would be no easy feat.

Initially, it seemed doubtful to outsiders whether his take on The Troubles would hold appeal for native readers. But surprisingly, the book climbed up the New York Times Bestseller list for six weeks, silencing any concerns about misinterpretation. As he rejoiced over the FX adaptation of his work alongside his fellow writers and crew, he admitted that the initial doubts only made his subsequent success taste even sweeter.

As a movie enthusiast, I firmly believe that when venturing into another’s world, be it an author depicting characters in Belfast or a storyteller focusing on young women, there comes a duty. This responsibility is the cost of entry, the fee for the privilege of intrusion. It demands accuracy and authenticity. To tell such a tale, one must deserve the right to do so. That’s why, for me, collaborating closely with [series creator Joshua Zetumer] and the team has been an enriching and fulfilling journey, as we strive to make every detail as genuine and true-to-life as possible.

Keefe and Zetumer were accompanied by actors Anthony Boyle, Hazel Doupe, Josh Finan, and Maxine Peak during a lively Q&A session following the premiere of the much-awaited “Say Nothing” series. This event was skillfully guided by Samantha Barry, the head editor of Glamour magazine.

The book ‘Say Nothing’ delves into the four-decade-long struggle for ethno-nationalism in Northern Ireland, commonly referred to as The Troubles. This conflict revolved around Unionists and Loyalists arguing over whether Northern Ireland should continue to be a part of the United Kingdom or secede and merge with a unified Ireland.

Raised in sunny southern California with parents hailing from other lands, Zetumer too understood the sensation of being a stranger. Similarly to Keefe, he bore the weighty expectation to be accurate and, when on set, gave his Irish actors leeway to guide if something appeared off.

Zetumer shared that he made every effort to learn as much as possible, not just from Patrick’s book, but also by consuming all the related content available. He explained, “There comes a time when you write the scripts and pass them on to the actors. Typically, the power dynamic is quite obvious – ‘Here’s your script, say these words.’ In this case, we aimed to give power to our cast and expressed, ‘Hey, I’m an outsider here, so if anything feels off or unrealistic, please let me know.’

As a film critic hailing from Belfast, I found myself utterly captivated by Boyle’s latest masterpiece, “Say Nothing.” In fact, the script felt as if it had been penned by someone who not only shares my hometown but also walked the very streets of the Falls Road. The authenticity was palpable, and at times, I even felt the weight of responsibility to tell this story truthfully, especially given my own history living in the aftermath of The Troubles.

Around two weeks ago in Belfast, when I displayed it to them, Boyle admitted he was quite anxious. There’s a sequence where Dolour’s father is forced down the stairs and imprisoned. One of his mother’s earliest recollections is witnessing her father being dragged down the stairs by the British Army. This incident occurred in their living room, causing her to let out a piercing scream and start crying. The viewing had to be paused so they could console her. In that moment, Boyle felt that they had captured it accurately. You understand what I mean? Witnessing my mother’s emotional reaction was a profound experience for me and a very impactful moment.

Watch the entire conversation above.

2024-10-10 23:16

‘Say Nothing’ Creators and Cast Talk the Pressures of Portraying the Struggles of Northern Ireland: ‘You Have to Earn the Right to Tell That Story’

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