Specky Clark

Specky Clark delves into Doherty’s family history, which follows the story of her Great Great Grandfather Specky Clark and his arrival in Belfast.

On Doherty’s father's side, there is a history of working on the docks and in Belfast's abattoir, as well as owning pigs in the back garden tracing back to the 1940s. Her mother’s family owned a butcher's shop in Belfast. Set on Samhain (Halloween) when the veil between worlds is thin, Specky Clark uses the surreal aspects of Irish mythology and folklore to create a story. About the vulnerability of sanity.

Following Doherty’s move from Ireland to France in the tradition of Irish authors writing of home from afar,the production is inspired by her ancestry, as well as art including Animal Farm, The Blind Boy Podcast and the paintings of Francis Bacon.

The production features music from Mercury Prize-nominated Irish band Lankum. Maxime Jerry Fraisse is sound designer, acclaimed Irish playwright Enda Walsh is dramaturg, Sabine Dargent is scenographer and long-time collaborator John Gunning is lighting designer.