Sole Purpose 25 Years: Festival of Theatre for Social Change

Sole Purpose P R O D U C T I O N S

15th - 20th F e b r u a ry 2 0 2 2 Sole Purpose Productions SolePurpose_

25 Years: Festival of Theatre for Social Change Book Tickets: www.derryplayhouse.co.uk | www.solepurpose.org

FOREWORD Art speaks to us. It draws us into human life stories, makes us walk in other people’s shoes; pushes and pulls us to places we wouldn’t ordinarily go. Art shakes us up, challenges us, urges us to stop and think, makes us question. Changes us. Or it should.

Roisín McDonough

Sole Purpose has been doing just this for 25 years.

It has a long and distinguished history of creating theatre that takes on pressing social concerns of our day: domestic violence, teenage alcohol abuse, climate change, human trafficking, resettling of refugees, online abuse, gender politics…. This is certainly powerful material; but, told through the language of theatre, it is uniquely engaging: at times f u n n y, u p l i f t i n g , d i s t u r b i n g o r m o v i n g , i t i s a l w a y s compelling.

The Festival of Theatre for Social Change introduces us to a remarkable range of lived experiences and challenges faced by people around the world.

Whether it is the stories from the artists in Palestine, Ya s m e e n A u d i s h o G h r a w i ’ s e x p e r i e n c e s o f l i v i n g i n a d i c t a t o r s h i p a n d a d e m o c r a c y, D a v e D u g g a n ’ s d r a m a t i c e v o c a t i o n o f T h e S a v i l l e I n q u i r y, o r G r a e a e Theatre championing the inclusion of Deaf and disabled people in the arts, the participants in this festival have all found their voice, their empowerment a n d t h e i r a g e n c y, t h r o u g h t h e a r t s . A n d n o w t h e y w a n t to share their extraordinary stories with us.

The Arts Council, as principal funder of Sole Purpose Productions through our National Lottery funds, is proud to support this distinctive festival, as a fitting celebration of Sole Purpose’s 25 years of dynamic, socially-engaged theatre, and their continuing commitment to supporting positive change through theatre.

Roisín McDonough Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland

Sole Purpose P R O D U C T I O N S

Welcome by Our Chairperson, Dr Lisa Fitzpatrick On behalf of the Board of Sole Purpose Productions I’m delighted to welcome you to the Festival of Theatre for Social Change, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of Sole Purpose, and builds upon t h e s u c c e s s o f t h e c o m p a n y ’ s 2 0 1 8 F e s t i v a l . T h i s y e a r, w e h a v e a n exciting programme of work from Derry and beyond. The programme includes renowned local playwright Dave Duggan’s S c e n e s f r o m a n I n q u i r y, d i r e c t e d b y K a t W o o d s ( a g r a d u a t e f r o m Derry’s Drama programme at Magee and presently under commission with the Abbey Theatre). The famous Graeae Theatre Company are in residence with Lilliput Theatre, and The Freedom Theatre from Jenin Refugee Camp in Palestine offer a rehearsed reading, with local actors, of their play The Revolution’s Promise. Khayaal Theatre Company offers, for children, a selection

o f M u s l i m H e r i t a g e Ta l e s i n a b i l i n g u a l ( A r a b i c a n d E n g l i s h ) p e r f o r m a n c e , s u i t a b l e f o r a g e s 6 a n d a b o v e . Ya s m e e n A u d i s h o G h r a w i p r e s e n t s h e r o n e p e r s o n p l a y F r o m t h e D a u g h t e r o f a D i c t a t o r.

The impressive programme of events, curated and managed by Patricia Byrne, also includes n e w w o r k b y K a b o s h T h e a t r e C o m p a n y ( B e l f a s t ) , a n d S m a s h i n g Ti m e s ( D u b l i n ) ; a n e w p l a y b y Jonathan Burgess and Blue Eagle Productions (Londonderry); a rehearsed reading of Hello Charlie by Caoimhe Farren, and five workshops from the inventive, creative force of the MakeyUppers.

Sole Purpose have been making theatre for social change in Derry for 25 years, and this week o f e v e n t s c e l e b r a t e s t h e c o m p a n y, i t s a c h i e v e m e n t s t o d a t e , a n d i t s p l a c e w i t h i n t h e a r t s i n d u s t r y a t h o m e a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y. C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o P a t r i c i a B y r n e o n p u t t i n g t h i s i m p r e s s i v e p r o g r a m m e t o g e t h e r, w e l c o m e t o a l l o f t h e a r t i s t s w h o a r e j o i n i n g u s f o r t h i s w e e k , and a warm welcome to our audience. I hope you will enjoy everything that the week has to o f f e r.

A W o r d f r o m O u r A r t i s t i c D i r e c t o r, P a t r i c i a B y r n e It is with great pride that I introduce, and celebrate, the Sole P u r p o s e 2 5 Ye a r s : F e s t i v a l o f T h e a t r e f o r S o c i a l C h a n g e . S o l e Purpose Productions was established in 1997 in Derry Londonderry to illuminate and investigate social and public issues, and continues to make professional theatre working with new and emerging writers on themes that are important and matter in people’s lives.

It is without question that the support and collaboration Sole Purpose has received over the years from those in the creative industries; social activists; audience members; partner organisations; board members; s p o n s o r s a n d f u n d e r s – h a s c o n t r i b u t e d h u g e l y t o t h e p o s i t i o n t h a t w e a r e i n t o d a y. I t i s thanks to them that we are putting this festival on to celebrate what we have achieved, a n d w h a t w e c o n t i n u e t o o f f e r. T h e a r t s c a n h a v e a m e a n i n g f u l s o c i a l i m p a c t o n communities and individuals and the scope of our outreach has ranged from small rural c o m m u n i t y c e n t r e s t o w o r k i n S a n F r a n c i s c o , N e w Yo r k a n d S e a t t l e . W e w e r e h o n o u r e d in 2019 to receive the Special Jury Prize at Origin Theatre’s 1st Irish Festival in New Yo r k a n d f o u r n o m i n a t i o n s , f o r t h e p l a y B l i n k e r e d w h i c h d e a l t w i t h t h e m e s o f m e n t a l health and suicide prevention.

I want to give an extended thanks to our funders: Derry City & Strabane District Council, Arts Council NI, Community Foundation NI, Community Relations Council and Ulster Garden Villages. And to The Derry Playhouse, The City Hotel and The Whatnot for supporting our festival.

I hope that you will enjoy what the festival has to offer and celebrate with Sole Purpose what we have achieved over our 25 years.

50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday

Scenes From An Inquiry

a theatrical evocation of The Saville Inquiry

by Dave Duggan Directed by Kat Woods

Scenes From An Inquiry is a powerful play which captures the emotional impact of Bloody Sunday and the experiences of family members and w i t n e s s e s d u r i n g T h e S a v i l l e I n q u i r y.

The play was first produced in 2002 to mark the 30th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in partnership with the Bloody Sunday families and the Bloody Sunday Tr u s t . D a v e D u g g a n s u b s e q u e n t l y w r o t e a radio drama version, which was broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1.

16th-18th FEBRUARY 8pm £12 in theatre £10 online

The production is directed by Kat Woods who is currently under c o m m i s s i o n w i t h T h e M A C , Ti n d e r b o x Theatre and the Abbey Theatre. The stellar cast includes: Caoimhe Farren (The Ferryman - West End, Derry Girls, T h i s Wa y U p , D o c t o r s ) , N i c k y H a r l e y ( R o u g h G i r l s - Ly r i c T h e a t r e , D e n o u e m e n t - Ly r i c T h e a t r e / Tr a v e r s e Theatre, On the Street Where we live The MAC), and Michael Johnston ( B r u i s e r, B i g Te l l y, T h e M A C ) .

The Derry Playhouse BT48 6RG B o o k : w w w. d e r r y p l a y h o u s e . c o . u k 028 71 268027

The performances will be followed by a Q & A w i t h t h e w r i t e r.

This will be a highly engaging and poignant night at the theatre.

Graeae Theatre Company Workshop Tu e s d a y 1 5 F e b r u a r y 6.30pm - 8pm The Derry Playhouse BT48 6RG Photo by Becky Bailey

Graeae Theatre Company based in London is a force for change in world-class theatre, breaking down barriers, challenging preconceptions, championing diversity across the sector and boldly placing Deaf and disabled artists centre stage.

Graeae Theatre will do a workshop open to the public which will explore the w o r k i n g p r a c t i c e s o f t h i s h i g h l y r e s p e c t e d c o m p a n y, t h e y w i l l e x p l a i n h o w t h e social model influences their approach and will open up a conversation about creating accessible creative spaces. Places are limited. Booking is essential.

Graeae will also do a three day residency with Lilliput Theatre Company based in D e r r y L o n d o n d e r r y. T h e y w i l l c o l l a b o r a t e a c r o s s t h r e e d a y s , m a k i n g a n e w s a f e space for creative process while digging into the theme of ‘dignity of risk’ from disabled people’s perspective. In this disabled-led collaboration, daily workshops will embed Graeae’s inclusive practices to give a platform for more disabled voices and use the power of theatre to drive a powerful narrative for an invited audience. On the final day there will be a sharing of what has been learned for an invited audience. The audience will be let in to the beginning of a new piece of work which aims to challenge, spark action, and bring about community change.

‘A C o m p a n y t h a t r e f u s e s t o b e r e l e g a t e d t o t h e s i d e l i n e s ’ Ly n G a r d n e r,

The Guardian

https://graeae.org

The Freedom Theatre from Jenin Refugee Camp in Palestine A Rehearsed Reading of The Revolution’s Promise

'The Revolution’s Promise' is an epic journey through the personal stories and creative legacies of leading artists from Palestine. Created from interviews with filmmakers, poets, circus performers, cartoonists and actors it explores their inspiration, drive and ambitions as well as the brutal repercussions these artists have

Wednesday 16th FEBRUARY 6pm £7 Ve n u e : Echo Echo DanceTheatre BT48 6HH B o o k w w w. s o l e p u r p o s e . o r g

faced, including arrest, i m p r i s o n m e n t a n d m u r d e r.

Juxtaposed into a verbatim script these stories will be read by local actors, activists and students accompanied by a discussion led by The Freedom Theatre from Jenin Refugee Camp, Palestine. There will be a two day workshop with The Freedom Theatre to prepare the reading.

There will be a Q&A with Associate Director Zoe Lafferty in person and Artistic Director A h m a d To b a s i o n l i n e .

'The Revolution’s Promise' is created by The Freedom Theatre and Creative Destruction. w w w. t h e f r e e d o m t h e a t r e . o r g w w w. t h e r e v o l u t i o n s p r o m i s e . c o m

Khayaal Theatre Company

A Collection of Muslim Heritage Tales Khayaal Theatre will present a C o l l e c t i o n o f M u s l i m H e r i t a g e Ta l e s from a range of Arab countries. The one hour bilingual performance is presented

by Alia Alzougbi who is a Lebanese-

Thursday 17th FEBRUARY 3pm £5 Ve n u e : Echo Echo DanceTheatre BT48 6HH

S y r i a n s t o r y t e l l e r, a c t o r a n d a r t i s t e d u c a t o r. S h e i s p a r t i c u l a r l y i n t e r e s t e d in stories from the Arab and Muslim traditions that seek to answer our most urgent existential questions through wisdom, humour and unexpected twists.

S h e w i l l t e l l t h e t a l e s o f ‘ Wa s e e l a ’ , ‘Little Red Riding Hijab’ and ‘Sabira’.

A family show for age 6+ B o o k w w w. s o l e p u r p o s e . o r g

Khayaal Theatre is a multi-awardwinning theatre and drama education company dedicated to the exploration of Muslim heritage and interfaith literature and the experience of Muslims in the modern world for the stage, screen, radio and publishing. w w w. k h a y a a l . c o . u k

Photo by Greta Zabulyte

From the Daughter of a Dictator by

Yasmeen Audisho Ghrawi A one-person show exploring the personal journey of migration from Baghdad to Beirut to Berlin to Britain.

Queer Iraqi/Syrian/Assyrian performer a n d t h e a t r e - m a k e r Ya s m e e n A u d i s h o Ghrawi lived and cautiously thrived under a dictatorship for almost two decades. Through personal experiences a n d a n e c d o t e s , Ya s m e e n u n p a c k s t h e politics of the last 20 years inviting us to reflect on our individual and collective experiences and power t h r o u g h a n ‘ o t h e r ’ f r a m e . We f i n d ourselves confronted with the question and dilemma: is living in a democracy b e c o m i n g s o d i ff e r e n t t h a n l i v i n g i n a dictatorship?

‘From The Daughter of a Dictator ’ is w r i t t e n & p e r f o r m e d b y Ya s m e e n Audisho Ghrawi and devised in collaboration with artists Emma Bonnici, Charly Monreal, and R.M. Sánchez-Camus.

It premiered as a work-in-progress at The Arcola Theatre in October 2021 as p a r t o f t h e ‘ To d a y I a m W i s e r F e s t i v a l ’ with support from The New Diorama Theatre and Grand Fund Plan.

The night will consist of a 40 minute performance, followed by a short Q & A with writer and performing artist Ya s m e e n A u d i s h o G h r a w i .

Photos by Sarah Booker

Friday 18th FEBRUARY 6pm £10 Ve n u e : Echo Echo DanceTheatre BT48 6HH B o o k w w w. s o l e p u r p o s e . o r g

Kabosh Theatre Company

Callings

by Dominic Montague Directed by Paula McFetridge

Friday 18th FEBRUARY 8pm

£10 Ve n u e : Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin

37 Great James Street Derry BT48 7DF B o o k : w w w. s o l e p u r p o s e . o r g 028 71 279918

This gut-wrenching new political play follows the lives of Bridget, Helen, M a r t i n , J a s o n , a n d To m m y - f i v e g a y / l e s b i a n p e o p l e w h o s o u g h t s a n c t u a r y and community through the CaraFriend Gay Switchboard – a phoneline dedicated to supporting our hidden LGBTQ+ community in the 1970s.

C h a r g e d w i t h t h e m u s i c o f t h e d a y, a n d s e t a m i d s t a s t o r m o f a n t i - g a y headlines, Callings dives deep into the struggle for survival which queer people faced on a daily basis, and charts the progress of LGBTQ+ rights a t a p i v o t a l m o m e n t i n o u r h i s t o r y.

Callings explores how these bright and lively individuals found themselves and each other during oppressive times. In an era when the government attempted to quash their right to love, this group’s sheer existence was an a c t o f r e s i s t a n c e a n d j o y.

From rallying against the Save Ulster from Sodomy campaign to celebrating the right to exist won through the Dudgeon vs UK trial, Callings looks at the historical challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities, and celebrates just how far we’ve come.

Funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and the Garfield Weston Foundation. In association with Carafriend NI & Outcomers. https://kabosh.net

Blue Eagle Productions

Worlds Apart

by Jonathan Burgess Directed by Codie Morrison

Worlds Apart seeks to look at ordinary people in extraordinary times, to facilitate the voice of the Protestant community within Londonderry and the impact that has had over the years. The story focuses on two sisters – one who decides to leave the city in the early 70s and one who d e c i d e s t o s t a y. T h e i m p a c t s t i l l r e s o n a t e s t o d a y.

This production seeks to offer an opportunity to show and discuss that narrative a n d o f f e r a n o u t l e t f o r t h e v o i c e o f t h i s c o m m u n i t y. T h e p l a y w i l l c r e a t e a w a r e n e s s a n d e m p a t h y, b u i l d i n g t o w a r d s a c o m m u n i t y w h i c h i s b a s e d o n s h a r e d r i g h t s .

It seeks to give voice to a contentious issue which still looms large over t h e c i t y.

P e r f o r m e d b y L a u r a D o u g l a s , K a r e n H a w t h o r n e a n d A l i s o n M c C a l l i s t e r, this is a beautiful, poignant and sensitive piece about those who left and those who stayed.

There will be a Q&A with the writer and Community Relations worker Eamon Baker after each performance. h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / b l u e e a g l e p r o d u c t i o n s

Saturday 19th February 6pm £10

E c h o E c h o D a n c e T h e a t r e Ve n u e BT48 6HH B o o k : w w w. s o l e p u r p o s e . o r g

Smashing Times Theatre The Woman is Present: Women’s Stories of WWII

Saturday 19th FEBRUARY 8pm £10 Ve n u e : The Derry Playhouse BT48 6RG B o o k : w w w. d e r r y p l a y h o u s e . c o . u k 028 71 268027

The Woman is Present: Women’s Stories of WWII is a creative re-imagining of m o m e n t s f r o m t h e l i v e s o f t w o w o m e n d u r i n g W W I I r e c a l l i n g s t o r i e s o f b r a v e r y, s a c r i f i c e a n d l o v e a m i d s t t h e h o r r o r o f w a r.

The event features a twenty-minute performance of At Summer ’s End by writer Féilim James. This dramatic monologue is told from the perspective of a Jewish-Irish citizen murdered in the Holocaust. Her name was Ettie Steinberg (1914-42). We learn how at a young age her family left Eastern Europe for Dublin, before love led her away to the European mainland. This by turns tender and harrowing portrait of love, loss, and the brutality of war tells one o r d i n a r y w o m a n ’ s e x t r a o r d i n a r y, a n d o f t e n f o r g o t t e n , s t o r y.

At Summer ’s End is followed by a short film screening of The Shoah: A S u r v i v o r ’ s M e m o r y – T h e W o r l d ’ s L e g a c y, r e c o u n t i n g t h e s t o r y o f F r e n c h w o m a n S i m o n e Ve i l ( 1 9 2 7 - 2 0 1 7 ) . T h e S h o a h i s a d a p t e d b y w r i t e r, t h e a t r e a n d f i l m - m a k e r M a r y M o y n i h a n f r o m a s p e e c h d e l i v e r e d b y S i m o n e Ve i l f o r t h e second International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, United Nations General Assembly Hall, 28 January 2007. Simone Ve i l w a s a F r e n c h l a w y e r, p o l i t i c i a n a n d f e m i n i s t , H o l o c a u s t s u r v i v o r a n d f i r s t female President of the European Parliament.

The performance and film are intercut with discussion by the artists with the event followed by a Q&A to explore the role of the arts in highlighting women’s s t o r i e s i n h i s t o r y a n d g e n d e r e q u a l i t y t o d a y. https://smashingtimes.ie

Hello Charlie

by Caoimhe Farren

A Rehearsed Reading A t a w a k e i n D e r r y, M a e v e k e e p s a d r u n k e n vigil by her mother ’s coffin. Witnessing the scene her Granda forewarns, “In this family only three things can be said to be certain; death, taxes and alcoholism.”

Tw e n t y y e a r s l a t e r, M a e v e a n d h e r s i s t e r Kate now live in London. Maeve

Sunday 20th FEBRUARY 6pm £7 Ve n u e : The Derry Playhouse BT48 6RG B o o k : w w w. d e r r y p l a y h o u s e . c o . u k 028 71 268027

binge-drinks to oblivion, Kate sees history repeating itself. But Maeve doesn’t see it like that - what she doesn’t remember she a c c e p t s n o r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r, i n s t e a d blaming her inebriated alter-ego: Charlie.

Hello Charlie is a black comedy about trauma, sisterhood and breaking the cycle of familial addiction.

It was developed through the New P l a y w r i g h t P r o g r a m m e 2 0 2 1 a t T h e Ly r i c Theatre Belfast, the first Rehearsed Reading received an overwhelming standing ovation.

MakeyUppers

Mystery Bag performances and workshops The MakeyUppers will present five Mystery Bag workshops in venues around the city for children’s groups. The ‘MakeyUppers’ work is

14-18th FEBRUARY Children's shows

hugely diverse and ever changing but always rooted in a mutual desire to create meaningful w o r k t h r o u g h p l a y.

S o r c h a S h a n a h a n a n d G e m m a Wa l k e r - F a r r e n are ‘MakeyUppers’, an original comedy storytelling act. They use their skills as performers, facilitators and theatre makers to create dynamic and involving storytelling. They aim to engage their audiences in experiences

Ve n u e : At various venues around the city For details see w w w. s o l e p u r p o s e . o r g

that are multi-layered, highly enjoyable and beautifully simple. h t t p s : / / w w w. m a k e y u p p e r s . c o m B o o k : w w w. s o l e p u r p o s e . o r g 028 7127 9918

To Book: www.solepurpose.org 10am-5pm The Freedom Theatre workshop to prepare the Rehearsed Reading of The Revolution’s Promise. Must book! solepurpose@mac.com 6pm Rehearsed Reading of The Revolutions Promise The Freedom Theatre £7 www.solepurpose.org 3pm Khayaal Theatre Company Muslim Heritage Tales for children A family show for age 6+ £5

6pm From the Daughter of a Dictator

by Yasmeen Audisho Ghrawi + Q&A £10

6pm Worlds Apart by Jonathon Burgess Blue Eagle Productions £10

6.30-8pm Graeae Theatre Company Workshop and discussion on accessibility and theatre.

Must book! solepurpose@mac.com

8pm Scenes From An Inquiry + Q&A

by Dave Duggan Sole Purpose £12 in theatre £10 online

2.30pm Graeae Theatre with Lilliput Theatre Co. Public sharing of the work with invited audience - in the Gallery 8pm Scenes From An Inquiry + Q&A Sole Purpose £12 in theatre, £10 Online

8pm Scenes From An Inquiry + Q&A Sole Purpose £12 in theatre, £10 online

8pm The Woman is Present Women’s Stories of WWII Smashing Times Theatre £10

6pm Hello Charlie by Caoimhe Farren A Rehearsed Reading £7

Tue 15th Feb

Wed 16th Feb

Thu 17th Feb

Fri 18th Feb

Sat 19th Feb

Sun 20th Feb

Echo Echo Theatre Venue

To Book: www.playhouse.co.uk

Date:

The Playhouse

8pm Callings Kabosh Theatre £10 To Book: www.solepurpose.org

Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin

7.30pm Worlds Apart by Jonathon Burgess Blue Eagle Productions Newbuildings Cricket Club Free Admission To Book: www.solepurpose.org

MakeyUppers Mystery Bag shows will take place at various venues around the city

Community Venues

Festival of Theatre for Social Change

Festival

Club

After seeing some amazing theatre - being moved, having laughed, cried, discussed - come to the festival club to wind down, relax, meet the artists, have some chit chat, enjoy some drinks and ambience. A perfect way to end the evening.

T h e b a r a t T h e D e r r y P l a y h o u s e w i l l b e o p e n a f t e r p e r f o r m a n c e s u p t o 11 p m .

Thank you to all those who have contributed to the festival in some way -Cafe Java, Smart Swag, The Whatnot and our wonderful volunteers.

All the amazing theatre companies and artists who joined us.

Our Board of Directors: Lisa Fitzpatrick, Ciara O’Connell, John McQuaide, Ann Marie Thompson, Don Mc Camphill The funders: Derry City and Strabane District Council, Community Relations Council, Community Foundation NI, Ulster Garden Villages, Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

City Hotel Advert Here

Sole Purpose Productions is a registered charity no NIC100618 We rely on funders and sponsors to continue our meaningful and important work in communities.

We can help businesses to meet their Corporate Social Responsibility agenda.

Yo u r b u s i n e s s c a n h e l p t o e f f e c t social change in the wider c o m m u n i t y.

We can increase your contribution through gift aid.

Sole Purpose P R O D U C T I O N S

If you would like to sponsor Sole Purpose or make a donation please contact: Sole Purpose Productions 5-7 Artillery Street Derry Londonderry BT48 6RG

E: solepurpose@mac.com T: +44 (0) 28 7127 9918 www.solepurpose.org Sole Purpose Productions @SolePurpose_

Sole Purpose is a company limited by guarantee registration number NI37481

Book Tickets: www.derryplayhouse.co.uk | www.solepurpose.org

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