Liam Neeson will narrate a series to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising. The three-part documentary series, entitled 1916: The Irish Rebellion, will be broadcast on Irish television next year. The documentary will also be shown in Irish embassies across the world.

Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson will narrate1916: The Irish Rebellion.

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The documentary is being funded primarily by the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and RTE, according to reports in the Irish Times. The primary aim of the documentary is to 'show how the Easter Rising was not only a pivotal event in 20th century Ireland, but also an event of international importance.'

Neeson is not the only well-known name in the film industry to be involved in the project as Annie Atkins will be working on the documentary's production design.  Atkins worked on The Grand Budapest Hotel, which won an Academy Award for Best Production Design, in the art department. She has previously worked on such historical drama as Vikings and The Tudors. 

The Easter Rising was a pivotal point in Irish history. The armed uprising was an attempt by Irish Republicans to wrestle control from the British forces, distracted by their involvement in the First World War, and establish an independent Irish Republic. The Republican force, largely consisting of volunteers, was outnumbered and outgunned by the British forces. The final standoff of the rising, centring in Dublin, took place in the General Post Office and the bullet marks are still visible on the building today. Although the uprising was largely unpopular with the Irish people, the swift execution of the 15 leaders of the Easter Rising caused controversy and did much to sway public opinion in favour of the Republican cause. 

Neeson is originally from Northern Ireland. The 62-year-old actor has a past associated with the portrayal of Irish history in the media as he starred as the Republican leader Michael Collins in the 1996 historical biopic of the same name. Indeed, Collins was involved in the Easter Rising and the film also touches on this part of his life. 

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