Director John Clancy said local musicians, dancers and actors would depict the Rising and its tragic aftermath.

In 1916 the Rising was deeply unpopular in Ireland and abroad because of concerns it could have undercut the British empire’s war effort.

But Mr Clancy said public opinion turned because of the brutality of the British response and the eventual end of WW1.

The Rising is now widely viewed as a major event leading up to the outbreak of the 1919-21 Irish War of Independence.

“We do advise people to come out because there won’t be another performance like this for one hundred years,” Mr Clancy said.

“I’d call it a semi-production because it tells the story of the Rising through different mediums, for example narrative. There are two dramatic scenes and Irish dancing.

Photographs captured in the midst of the Rising would be shown.

Mr Clancy said poetry readings would include works penned by Rising leaders. Of the 16 Irish leaders executed in the aftermath of the Rising, four were poets.

Irish ballads would also feature prominently. They include an aria on the trial, imprisonment and execution of an unnamed insurgent which was put together especially for the Irish Flag Unfurls.

Mr Clancy said all performances would be well-suited to the Old Fire Station.

“It’s ideal for this type of project because it’s a small space. The drama scenes especially are very intimate, you see,” he said.

Mr Clancy said The Irish Flag Unfurls would cap off a year of commemorative events held by the Central Victorian Irish Association across Bendigo.

In April the CVIA marked the exact date of the Rising with a flag-raising ceremony. Since then the CVIA has been busy with commemorative lectures and exhibitions.

“The Irish Flag Unfurls will be the crowning event to top it all off,” Mr Clancy said.

The Irish Flag Unfurls will take place at the Old Fire Station this Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 5pm. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $14 for concessions.