This is a True Story
26.02.07
This is a True Story is a play based on the story of Howard Neal, by Thomas Wright and Nicholas Harrington, directed by Nicholas Harrington and performed by Thomas Wright. It is being performed at the Bridewell Theatre, London from Monday 26 March to Thursday 5 April.
Howard Neal, a man with an IQ of 54, was sentenced to death in 1982 for the murder of his 13 year old niece, Amanda Joy. He was also charged with the death of his half brother, and a friend of his niece. The only evidence linking him to the murders was a confession allegedly made to a policeman after several days of interrogation. This statement was neither written, signed or recorded, and no lawyer was present The play tracks the story of Howard’s life from his impoverished and abusive childhood in rural Mississippi, to state institution for the “mentally retarded,” and finally to death row.
Legal Director of Reprieve, human rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith has worked with Howard’s appeal lawyers over the years. He says: “When you visit Howard Neal on death row in Mississippi, when it comes time for you to leave, Howard invariably looks up at you and plaintively demands ‘take me with you’. Right now the state is arguing in court that Howard’s IQ is not low enough for him to be spared execution. When you see this play, I have no doubt you will come to your own conclusions on this issue”.
This Is A True Story is being presented as part of Miserere, a festival of music for Lent and Easter at St Bride’s. It originally played in the UK at the Man in the Moon Theatre, Chelsea, in October 2001.
“a series of monologues so arresting you have to remember to catch your breath… awesome theatre – and it matters” Time Out
“a truly virtuoso performance” The Guardian
Venue: Bridewell Theatre, Bride Lane, Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 8EQ
Dates: Monday 26 March, Tuesday 27 March, Thursday 29 March, Friday 30 March, Saturday 31 March, Monday 2 April, Tuesday 3 April, Wednesday 4 April, Thursday 5 April.
Time: 7.30 pm
Price: £10
Box Office: 020 7353 4640
Running time: 50 minutes
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