I knew from the beginning that I had to be strong. I had to make a conscious decision to abandon hatred and rage. I decided, ‘Well, then, just leave it in God’s hands. He has broader shoulders than I have.’”
Kathleen Gillespie – TOW facilitator
The enduring uniqueness of Theatre of Witness workshops is that they enable participants to engage with real life stories from all sides of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Facilitators talk about their experiences and participants can ask questions about things that are rarely spoken about, and explore how these stories can inspire healing, empathy and understanding in today’s world.
The Playhouse is an arts and peacebuilding centre in Derry/Londonderry, established in 1992, and is supported through CRC’s Core Funding Scheme.
Ten years ago, the Playhouse established Theatre of Witness with Teya Sepinuck. It is a form of performance that gives voice to those who have been marginalised, forgotten or are invisible in society. The work brings people together across divides of difference to bear witness to truth, healing and reconciliation through the medium of art and storytelling. This work cumulated in several different theatre productions and continues today through the engagement of workshops on a national and international basis.
About Theatre of Witness
Who are the performers in Theatre of Witness?
Performers include former police officers, paramilitaries, and relatives of those killed or injured.
What age are the workshops for?
14-years old and over.
How long do they last for?
Around 2 hours long.
Group Size?
Theatre of Witness can be adapted to meet the needs of the group
Free Workshops
Workshops are free for groups based in Northern Ireland from all communities, but also available to any group outside of Northern Ireland interested in exploring how art can inspire healing, empathy and understanding.
Theatre of Witness workshops are funded by Northern Ireland Community Relations Council, and The Executive Office’s Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) Programme.
To find out more about how to book Theatre of Witness workshops, email Kieran Smyth at kierans@derryplayhouse.com or visit their website: www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
I am so grateful for the generosity of all the speakers for making this their life's mission. they are changing our wee corner of the world."
Theatre of Witness participant