Set in Northern Ireland, Brian Friel’s The Freedom of the City follows the story of three people who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

When a peaceful protest march is hit by smoke and tear gas, Lily, a mother of 11 children, and two young men, Skinner and Michael, run into the nearest building to wait out the violence.

But they find themselves trapped in the mayor’s private chambers.

They are even more surprised to discover that the security team deem their presence to be threatening and the trio become the centre of a major news story.

The play was first performed in Dublin in 1973, a year after the events of Bloody Sunday, when a British regiment opened fire on protesters.

The Freedom of the City has continued to captivate audiences for decades.

It is a passionate play with surprising moments of humour intertwined with Ireland’s dark history.

Auditions for the show attracted many young actors from the Hunter area, some of whom make up the cast who will perform in Maitland.

The show will run at the Repertory Theatre on High Street, Maitland, until Saturday, May 10.

There will be a matinee performance at 2pm on Sunday, May 4.

The Examiner has two double passes to give away to the performance on Friday, May 9, starting at 8pm.

The show is a fund-raising event for the PCYC’s Nations of Origin football tournament for indigenous teenagers.

Tickets to the May 9 show cost $20 and can be bought from PCYC manager Justine Russell by phoning 4934 7122, email maitland@pcycnsw.org.au or at the door on the night.

To enter the draw email your contact details to ewatts@fairfaxmedia.com.au by Wednesday, May 7 with ‘‘Freedom’’ as the subject line.

The winners will be notified by 3pm on Thursday, May 8.