Theatre of Witness production comes to Lisburn

Described as a production that “levelled the hierarchy of victimhood and crossed the barriers between ‘them and us’”, the new production ‘Release’ opened at The Playhouse last week.

The project is performed and created with six men who have each played a different role in Northern Ireland’s troubled past. Each one shares the true story about their lives during the Troubles and beyond, discovering extraordinary connections of their shared history.

Audiences heard the evocative stories of a former RUC detective, a former Prison Governor, a former British soldier, two ex-prisoners and a community activist who survived a car bomb as a child. In the production each shared his own journeys of reconciliation, redemption and healing.

“Release opened a space where people could safely listen to the ‘other’. Hearing the stories of such a wide variety of men affected by the troubles allowed audience members to hear a new perspective, as well as perhaps getting in touch with their own stories. After each performance moved and inspired audience members stayed to both connect with the performers and each other reflecting on what is a unique collective healing experience,” said Project co-ordinator Emma Stuart.

The production continues to tour throughout November. Tickets for Theatre of Witness’ ‘Release’ are free, several dates have sold out and so booking is essential. Contact The Lagan Valley Theatre to book a ticket on 028 92509 292.

The Theatre of Witness project is supported by the PEACE III Programme, managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the Community Relations Council and Pobal Consortium.