Representations of Policing in Northern Irish Theatre

Book excerpt: This monograph provides the first sustained, chronological account of Northern Irish police officers’ representation in theatre. Importantly, its scope comprises a critical period of national and organisational development, beginning with the Partition of Ireland in 1921 and the founding of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) one year later in 1922. It progresses through the relevant theatrical and historical events of the century, through the period after the RUC’s dissolution and replacement with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in 2001, and concludes in 2021 to coincide with the centenary of Partition. As such, this project is distinctive in its ability to trace paradigm shifts in perceptions of the police over time, as they intersect with relevant historical events and milestones of political conflict in the province.