How I Murdered Lucrezia

Drama on Newstalk

Newstalk presents a new radio drama, ‘How I Murdered Lucrezia’ adapted from a short story by Órfhlaith Foyle. Set in an Irish secondary school, outside Galway city, it is a meditation on lust, violence and obsession. A High School shooting has taken place with recently arrived student Lucrezia the victim. Her killer is a boy named Jones Maddox, who commits the act under coercion from Caitlin Purcell. Caitlin is a former friend of Lucrezia, who continues to harbour an infatuation with her. The story follows Caitlin and Jones’ descent into fury and the ultimate act of killing. This contemporary radio drama deals with pertinent themes of violence and racism in the school system. It skewers teen culture, bullying and social media throughout. Caitlin is a sociopath and Jones is under her spell. Her actions are prefaced by a disturbed home life and rejection by her friend Lucrezia. The tension builds as the play reaches its horrible denouement. The audience is asked to question its loyalties as the main characters go a step too far and commit the heinous crime in a thought provoking and entertaining drama. ‘How I Murdered Lucrezia’ was written and directed by Órfhlaith Foyle. Produced, recorded and edited by Alan Meaney. Script Editing by Gabrielle Fullam. Music composed and performed by Eamonn Bailey. The cast are Anais Rizzo, Shannon Martin, Shane McDonagh, Joan Gildea, Eimir Creedon, Austin Prior, Aoibhé Hopkins and Jimi McDonnell. The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, with the Televison Licence Fee. ‘How I Murdered Lucrezia' is adapted from Órfhlaith Foyle’s short story of same title and was first published in The Wales Arts Review then later published in her second short story collection 'Clemency Browne Dreams of Gin' (Arlen House) in 2015. She has adapted it for radio for this project.