How a stage-fight nearly ended my acting career

Conor Madden was playing Hamlet in Cork at the age of 24, the best role of his young career, when an on-stage accident changed his life forever. During a fight scene a sword fractured Conor’s skull. He was eventually diagnosed with a brain injury. Conor recovered, but there have been lasting effects on his speech and mobility, and the road back to acting has been difficult. He spoke to Andile Masuku about his experience. Producers: Alice Gioia and Thomas Harding Assinder Photo: Conor Madden