Main content
This programme is not currently available on 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer

The Artist and the Wall of Death

One man's relentless quest to realise his gargantuan creative vision.

The thrilling story of Glaswegian performance artist Stephen Skrynka and his lifelong obsession with the 'Wall of Death'. Determined to conquer the wall, Stephen endures a humiliating experience training with renowned wall rider Ken Fox, before discovering the story of Irishmen Michael Donohoe and Connie Kiernan.

In 1979, Connie and Michael had constructed a ramshackle ‘Wall of Death’ on their farm in rural Granard, inspiring the much-loved feature film Eat the Peach. Forty years on, Stephen appears in town and presents them with an audacious proposal: construct a new ‘Wall of Death’ with him and take it on tour.

Though the wall is painstakingly constructed, a massive argument between the trio brings the endeavour skidding to a halt. Devastated, Stephen returns to Glasgow. However, with a pandemic raging, Stephen somehow finds the heart to try one last time, and he begins to build his own wall from scratch.

1 hour, 24 minutes

Last on

Thu 11 Jan 2024 22:30

Credits

Role Contributor
Director Maurice O'Brien
Producer John Kelleher
Producer Grant Keir
Producer David Power
Editor John Murphy
Composer Michael Fleming
Production Company John Kelleher Media
Production Company Faction North

Broadcasts

Featured in...