Imagine living with trauma so deep, it's etched into the very cells of your being. That's the reality explored in Channel 4's new drama, Trespasses, starring Gillian Anderson and Lola Petticrew. Based on Louise Kennedy's acclaimed novel, the series plunges us into Northern Ireland in 1975, a volatile period just 23 years before the end of 'The Troubles.' But here's where it gets controversial... the show doesn't just depict the conflict; it suggests the trauma still lingers today, shaping the region's identity in ways that are both painful and strangely precious.
Eve Rosato of BBC News NI brings us insight into this compelling drama, which uses the town of Holywood, County Antrim (a location five miles northeast of Belfast) as a backdrop for a story of forbidden love that crosses community lines.
Both Anderson and Petticrew are no strangers to portraying the complexities of Northern Ireland. Petticrew, who was born in Belfast, previously played IRA volunteer Dolours Price in the Disney+ drama Say Nothing, which also explored the Troubles era. Anderson, of X-Files fame, starred in the chilling serial killer thriller The Fall, set in and around Belfast. This pre-existing connection to the region lends an authenticity to their performances, adding weight to the show's themes.
Anderson plays the mother of Petticrew's character, Cushla. Her character is portrayed as an alcoholic woman, deeply affected by the trauma of the Northern Ireland conflict. Anderson shared with BBC News NI that she noticed the lingering trauma of the conflict "in the cells of everyone" she encountered. She was surprised by the degree to which the trauma remains just below the surface. This observation became a significant part of her understanding of the character and the setting. She noted that while changes have occurred, she is not sure she wants to see massive change. She explained that the conflict feels like a significant part of the identity of the place and there's an ownership and righteousness from all sides, that makes it a part of the personality of the place. Is she suggesting that the pain is now part of the identity and should be preserved? And this is the part most people miss... that even amidst calls for progress, there's a fear of losing a sense of self, however painful, if the past is completely erased.
So, what exactly is Trespasses about? At its core, it's a story of forbidden love that transcends the sectarian divide. It's not a love affair set "across the barricades" in the traditional sense, but rather one that blossoms "across the bar." Petticrew's character, Cushla, is a 24-year-old Catholic school teacher who works extra shifts in her family's pub. The pub serves soldiers from a nearby barracks, along with other locals, creating a melting pot of tensions and interactions.
It's in this setting that Cushla meets Michael Agnew, an upper-middle-class Protestant barrister. Michael has dedicated himself to representing a young Catholic man, further blurring the lines of community and loyalty. While their romance is central to the narrative, Trespasses also delves into the broader impact of the conflict on individuals and communities.
Petticrew takes this responsibility very seriously. "I love home so much, and I care about people at home so much and I want them to feel like their lives are being taken seriously and reflected with love and care and reverence," they stated. "So it feels like a massive responsibility, but it's also a complete privilege. And if I only got to tell Irish stories for the rest of my life, I'd take it." They express a trust in the work the team has produced and hope that viewers will get what they need from the drama.
Welsh actor Tom Cullen, known for his role as Lord Gillingham in Downton Abbey, echoes Petticrew's sentiment, describing an "immense sense of responsibility." Cullen, who at times became emotional during his interview with BBC News NI, emphasized that he doesn't take the subject matter lightly. He stated that he felt very privileged to have the opportunity to step into this world. He said it was special to go to Northern Ireland because his great grandfather came from Belfast and that he feels so Irish because he was brought up that way.
The current wave of Irish talent in television and film, exemplified by actors like Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and Cillian Murphy, adds another layer to the significance of Trespasses. There's a palpable sense of cultural pride and a desire to tell authentic Irish stories.
Lola Petticrew believes that anyone who feels a connection to Ireland and wants to embrace their Irishness is welcome. "For me, the only prerequisite to be Irish is wanting to be Irish and feeling a connection to it, and I think the more people that want to feel connected to and express their Irishness is just all the better for us." But does this inclusive definition risk diluting the meaning of Irish identity, or does it strengthen it by embracing a more diverse range of perspectives? It's a question that's sure to spark debate. What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with Anderson's assessment of the lingering trauma in Northern Ireland? And how do you define what it means to be Irish in today's world? Share your opinions in the comments below!
