NI'S first Festival of Theatre for Social Change to launch in Derry-Londonderry

by Gráinne Connolly

Northern Ireland's first Festival of Theatre for Social Change will be launching in the Guildhall in Derry-Londonderry today. 

The festival, which is taking place in the Playhouse Theatre from February 21-24, has been organised as part of the 21st year celebrations of professional theatre company Sole Purpose. 

For the past 21 years Sole Purpose has been at the forefront of theatre working for social change, touring Ireland, the UK and staged work in the USA, playing in theatres, schools, Women's Aid centres and community venues. 

Now the Derry-Londonderry based company is bringing together different theatre companies from the UK and Ireland to present how the arts can be used to tackle different social issues. 

Sole Purpose Artistic Director Patricia Byrne said: 

"The Arts has proved to be a powerful weapon in tackling issues such as peace and conflict, domestic violence, child abuse, mental health and suicide. 

"We decided to celebrate our 21st year by bringing together the top companies working in this vital area.

"Theatre is an important tool for promoting equality and addressing issues of concern in society and this festival will highlight the valuable work that companies in the UK and Ireland do to challenge stereotypes and tackle taboo subjects.”

The four day festival will include a range of performances, workshops, readings, an exhibition on the 21 years of the company and a Sole Purpose Theatre Lab with Rod Dixon, Artistic Director of Red Ladder Theatre Company.

Highlights include: 

• ‘Every Move You Make’ – a gripping play about abusive relationships among young people written by Sole Purpose Artistic Director, Patricia Byrne.
   
• Leeds-based Red Ladder – Britain’s leading radical theatre company – will perform its powerful ‘The Life and Soul’ about male depression written by Chris O’Connor who writes for the stage, TV, radio and film.
   
• Sarah Thornton, Artistic Director of Collective Encounters Theatre Company in Liverpool will deliver a masterclass on Theatre for Social Change designed for actors, facilitators & activists.
   
• Dublin theatre and film company Smashing Times will perform its highly acclaimed ‘The Woman is Present: Women’s Stories from WWII’ – a snapshot of experiences of bravery, sacrifice and love amidst the horrors of war, which has toured all over Ireland.
   
• Sole Purpose will present an evening of rehearsed readings of past productions by Co-founder Dave Duggan, Artistic Director Patricia Byrne, and other writers, with input from partner organisations, academics and artists who have been involved with the work over the past 21 years.

The festival is funded and supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Theatre NI.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maoliosa McHugh welcomed the fact that the festival was using arts and theatre to explore and highlight many important social issues.

“The Council is delighted to be associated with the festival and is very supportive of the ethos behind it. This festival is a welcome addition to the city and district’s diverse range of cultural and arts events and I am confident it will be a huge success.”

For information about the full festival programme go to: 

http://www.solepurpose.org/page/Sole-Purpose-21-Years-Festival-of-Theatre-for-Social-Change

You can also follow their Facebook (Sole-Purpose-Productions) and on Twitter (@SolePurpose_).