Twenty years after the H-Block hunger strikes, Peter Sheridan's play exploring the issues and representative people involved has been revived. It was written within a few weeks of the ending of the strikes, which makes it all the more remarkable that it keeps a detached distance from events so inherently dramatic, foregoing passion in favour of objectivity.

The play is well structured for the stage. It takes place in two rooms, one a bare cell with faeces-smeared walls, and the other a clinically clean hospital room and bed. As it opens, a young man lies ill in the bed, while two hirsute prisoners wrapped in blankets talk in the cell. They speak in the Irish language - simultaneous translation facilities are available - and, through their conversation, clarify the nature of their defiance.

They see themselves as patriots, and demand to be classified as political prisoners, with all the rights that should go with that. The prison governor is implacably opposed; to him they are heartless bombers and murderers. A titled emissary from the British government is more sympathetic, trying to find a via media. Of two warders, one is humane and kindly, the other alcoholic and vengeful. Some progress towards a compromise saves the life of the first striker, but the authorities skilfully circumvent the agreement once the prisoners relax their resistance. So another takes up the torch, and this time they will not be deluded. Despite the pleas of his girl friend, the striker embraces death, and is promptly replaced by his cell-mate. The juggernaut rolls.

The great strength of the play lies in the credibility of its characters, representing between them the main political and emotional currents of the times. They are, in this perspective, all victims, even if only some are cast in the heroic mould of an historic sacrifice. The actors - Daithi MacAdaim, Pilib Mac Cathmhaoill, Ciaran Cunningham, Sean Mac Seain, John Keyes, Sean de Burca, Norette Ni Laocha and Pol Coplann, directed by Gearoid O Caireallain - create them truly.

This production offers a serious retrospective and a worthwhile theatrical experience.

Runs to May 26th; to book phone 01- 8729977