Dublin will have a chance to see its first "living newspaper" during the second week of this month, when the New Theatre Group introduces one, as a prelude to O'Neill's "Hairy Ape," in the Peacock Theatre.
The idea was born in America and spread to England, where the most successful venture was one of A.R.P.
A "living newspaper" strives to portray upon the stage happenings which have figured in newspaper reports. "A.R.P." traced the events leading up to the adoption of the precautions, and showed how the programme would affect the lives of the people.
The one at present under rehearsal has been written under the collaboration of two members of the New Theatre Group Messrs. T. O'Brien and W. Clare and traces briefly the growth of the problems which gave rise to partition.
Historical flashes serve to illustrate an argument between a Dublin man and a Northern. Starting from the Siege of Derry, events are spotlighted, as it were, and shown in their relation to the major problem.
While not claiming to illuminate the whole complex problem, the "living newspaper" gives a perspective of the question, and promises to be worthy of interest.
The Irish Times, October 4th, 1939.