Babylon Heights premieres at the Mill Theatre in Dundrum with some contention.
A controversial new play by Irvine Welsh and Dean Cavanagh, has received its European premiere at the Mill Theatre in the Dublin suburb of Dundrum.
The story of the much loved movie, The Wizard of Oz, as never seen before.
'Babylon Heights' is a behind-the-scenes tale set during the production of the film the 'The Wizard of Oz'. The play centres on Hollywood rumours of alleged drunken orgies and the exploitation of the actors during the production in the late 1930s. The play has been condemned by the Restricted Growth Movement in the UK for its portrayal of the film extras.
Rachel Rath, who plays Philomena in the play, says that it is really a story of discrimination. Writer Dean Cavanagh says the play tells the story of the exploitation of the extras who played the "munchkins" in the original film.
Babylon Heights is set in a Californian hotel room and is dark and edgy.
'Babylon Heights' producers have defended the show saying that it highlights discrimination.
The play stars David Heap, Rachel Rath, Dermot Magennis and John Fitzpatrick.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 8 August 2006. The reporter is Gareth O’Connor.
