Cross-border project explores growing up after GFA

A cross-border project examining what peace means to the generation that grew up after the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 will culminate in a theatrical performance that will be streamed live tomorrow, the UN's International Day of Peace.

Thirty young people aged 18-25 from North and South, who lived together during the summer, will perform 'Project Lighthouse,’ in the Hawk’s Well Theatre in Sligo.

The Hawk’s Well Director Kieran Griffiths said the project examines "what conflict means to a generation that inherited peace," while "exploring difference and hoping to celebrate it".

The production is a partnership between the Hawk’s Well Theatre, the Millennium Forum in Derry and the John and Pat Hume Foundation, supported by the Special EU Programmes Body.

The project participants, some of whom had no theatrical experience, were selected after they responded to advertisements, in a production guided by artists Abby Oliveira and Bob Kelly.

Mr Kelly describes the production as "a tasting board" of the young people’s discussions, using an open-mic format that expands into dance, movement and abstract theatre.

"What we’re hoping the audience will experience isn't so much a cohesive dramatic arc, but that they have had an encounter with these very interesting young people," he said.'

Grace Doherty from Derry City said the production "was great craic from day one," adding that it was a real success in terms of collaboration.

"Personally, for me, peace means that everyone, regardless of creed, race, religion, whatever, can just live and exist in the world without fear," she said.

Ms Doherty said participants, such as herself, were "very aware of the privilege" and "the safety" that the Good Friday Agreement brought, noting it was "talked about a lot".

She alluded to what the group believes is required for society to move forward as a key point of their discussions.

"A big issue that's been discussed is the rates of violence against women in the north, as well as the male suicide epidemic that the north is grappling with…

"So, there's a balance of being aware of the privilege that we have, while also being aware of what's needed moving forward," Ms Doherty said.

Luke O’Grady from Derry city, who has a background in writing, said he had never experienced theatre and found that he enjoyed "acting and loved improvisation."

"My understanding of peace after taking part hasn't really changed for me, but that's not a bad thing. I've always been quite an open person.

"The dialogue in the group was fantastic. I thought we all got on well, very quickly. It helped that the Sligo people had to stay in Derry; we were seeing each other every day."

Participant Kaylee Finnegan from Limavady, who composed a solo piece for the production, said "peace means collaboration".

Patrick Donlan from Ballintrillick in Co Sligo said he really enjoyed this project and hopes the group can remain in contact.

"Being up there really changes your perspective. It's a recent history. It's not something long gone, and it's something that still needs to be learned about," he said.

Evan Ennis from Dromahair in Co Leitrim said the group wrote their scenes together and will be on stage together, throughout the production.

"It’s so important to have that dialog, not just talking about differences, but being able to create, and highlight how similar we are and how brilliant it is that we can all come together."

Oleksandra Pidopryhora from Ukraine, who lives in Sligo said it was an amazing opportunity, to learn more about Irish history, and to discuss Ukraine’s situation as well.

"This is so great to see how people found this peace, after the troubles and this hard history and I wish that one day our people in Ukraine will live the same way in a peaceful country."

‘Project Lighthouse’ can be viewed online on The Hawk’s Well website tomorrow morning, however, online registration is required.

The production is also the subject of a fly-on-the-wall documentary, which will be included in a digital resource for schools, and it will inform another project, currently in development.

The White Dove, which will be staged at the Hawk’s Well Theatre and the Millennium Forum in 2029, will complete a trilogy of ‘The White Handkerchief’ and ‘Hume: Beyond Belief.’

Chief Executive of the Millennium Forum David McLaughlin said the cross-border initiative is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with a shared ambition.

"It demonstrates how collaboration across the island can strengthen the arts, create meaningful opportunities for the next generation and showcase the creativity and stories of this region on an international stage," he said.