PLAYS FOR SOCIAL IMPACT
4 primary works
Book 1
Every Move You Make explores the issue of abusive relationships among young people. First produced in 2011, it was written in consultation with the NSPCC, Youth Action Northern Ireland and pupils from Oakgrove Integrated College. The play toured to secondary-level schools and theatres in Northern Ireland. Each performance was followed by a panel discussion with representatives from NSPCC, Youth Action Northern Ireland, Women's Aid, and the actor, writer and director.
This publication is part of a series of plays that address social issues and aim to make a social impact. Other plays in the series and by the same author are: Don't Say A Word - a play about domestic violence; See No Evil - a portrayal of elder abuse; A Wee Taste - a play on underage drinking. Each publication includes a lesson / workshop plan that can be used with groups to explore the issues through drama.
Plays for Social Impact will interest anyone interested in theatre and social issues including theatre lovers, teachers, drama students, social work students, pastoral teachers, social workers, community activists, policy makers and the general public.
'Every Move You Make was a very moving piece of theatre. The aim is to disturb and that was achieved fully. None watching this play would ever again be victim to such abuse having witnessed a relay of classic symptoms. All deserve praise for this slick pared presentation, which moves as quickly and as subtly as that of the insidious abuse portrayed.' Imelda Foley, Arts Council of Northern Ireland
'Every Move You Make has greatly helped us with our personal development work. As part of the curriculum, we look at factors that contribute to a healthy relationship. This will help pupils cope with the emotions involved.' Fionnvola McCaul, St Joseph's Boys' School, Derry
'From a professional viewpoint it was great for me to see first-hand how drama can be used in such a powerful way to get those really strong messages across to our young people. The way Every Move You Make was delivered was fantastic and it was great to see the reaction of the girls.'
Fiona Crossan, NSPCC
This publication is part of a series of plays that address social issues and aim to make a social impact. Other plays in the series and by the same author are: Don't Say A Word - a play about domestic violence; See No Evil - a portrayal of elder abuse; A Wee Taste - a play on underage drinking. Each publication includes a lesson / workshop plan that can be used with groups to explore the issues through drama.
Plays for Social Impact will interest anyone interested in theatre and social issues including theatre lovers, teachers, drama students, social work students, pastoral teachers, social workers, community activists, policy makers and the general public.
'Every Move You Make was a very moving piece of theatre. The aim is to disturb and that was achieved fully. None watching this play would ever again be victim to such abuse having witnessed a relay of classic symptoms. All deserve praise for this slick pared presentation, which moves as quickly and as subtly as that of the insidious abuse portrayed.' Imelda Foley, Arts Council of Northern Ireland
'Every Move You Make has greatly helped us with our personal development work. As part of the curriculum, we look at factors that contribute to a healthy relationship. This will help pupils cope with the emotions involved.' Fionnvola McCaul, St Joseph's Boys' School, Derry
'From a professional viewpoint it was great for me to see first-hand how drama can be used in such a powerful way to get those really strong messages across to our young people. The way Every Move You Make was delivered was fantastic and it was great to see the reaction of the girls.'
Fiona Crossan, NSPCC
Book 2
A Wee Taste was written to raise awareness of the issue of underage drinking. It was developed through interviews and research with the Northlands Centre, the Drink Think Project and the Divert Project in Northern Ireland. First produced in 2011 the production served as an intervention tool to raise awareness among young people of the negative impacts of underage drinking.
This publication is part of a series of plays that address social issues and aim to make a social impact. Other plays in the series and by the same author are: Don't Say A Word - a play about domestic violence; See No Evil - a portrayal of elder abuse; Every Move You Make - a drama on abusive relationships among young people. Each publication includes a lesson / workshop plan that can be used with groups to explore the issues through drama.
Plays for Social Impact will interest anyone interested in theatre and social issues including theatre lovers, teachers, drama students, social work students, pastoral teachers, social workers, community activists, policy makers and the general public.
'We had a large audience comprising young people, parents, youth workers, PSNI Diversionary Officers and social workers. It is a very hard-hitting play addressing key messages about the consequences of underage drinking. Excellent.' Leona McGee, Project Officer, Fermanagh Community Safety Partnership
'An outstanding performance. The script and performance struck home with the pupils in a way that was entertaining, educational and above all believable. Schools need more work of this quality!'
Damien Clarke, Pastoral Co-ordinator, St Patrick's College, Maghera
This publication is part of a series of plays that address social issues and aim to make a social impact. Other plays in the series and by the same author are: Don't Say A Word - a play about domestic violence; See No Evil - a portrayal of elder abuse; Every Move You Make - a drama on abusive relationships among young people. Each publication includes a lesson / workshop plan that can be used with groups to explore the issues through drama.
Plays for Social Impact will interest anyone interested in theatre and social issues including theatre lovers, teachers, drama students, social work students, pastoral teachers, social workers, community activists, policy makers and the general public.
'We had a large audience comprising young people, parents, youth workers, PSNI Diversionary Officers and social workers. It is a very hard-hitting play addressing key messages about the consequences of underage drinking. Excellent.' Leona McGee, Project Officer, Fermanagh Community Safety Partnership
'An outstanding performance. The script and performance struck home with the pupils in a way that was entertaining, educational and above all believable. Schools need more work of this quality!'
Damien Clarke, Pastoral Co-ordinator, St Patrick's College, Maghera
Book 3
The first production of Don't Say A Word in 2004 was the result of extensive research by the author in association with Foyle Women's Aid and the Probation Board of Northern Ireland. Don't Say A Word appeared in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2008 where it was nominated for an Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award and toured Scotland in 2009 when it was performed in the Scottish Parliament at the invitation of the Cross-Party Group on Men's Violence Against Women and Children.
This publication is part of a series of plays that address social issues and aim to make a social impact. Other plays in the series and by the same author are: See No Evil - a portrayal of elder abuse; A Wee Taste - a play on underage drinking; Every Move You Make - a drama on abusive relationships among young people. Each publication includes a lesson / workshop plan that can be used with groups to explore the issues through drama.
Plays for Social Impact will interest anyone interested in theatre and social issues including theatre lovers, teachers, drama students, social work students, pastoral teachers, social workers, community activists, policy makers and the general public.
'Don't Say A Word takes us on a journey of Paul and Pauline's relationship and seeing the development of their marriage is moving and deeply thought-provoking.'
Kate Clarkson, Three Weeks Review, Edinburgh Fringe Festival
'Don't Say A Word is a well-researched, written and produced play that is both sensitive to the issue but not afraid to tell it like it is.'
Marie Brown, Area Management Co-ordinator, Foyle Women's Aid
This publication is part of a series of plays that address social issues and aim to make a social impact. Other plays in the series and by the same author are: See No Evil - a portrayal of elder abuse; A Wee Taste - a play on underage drinking; Every Move You Make - a drama on abusive relationships among young people. Each publication includes a lesson / workshop plan that can be used with groups to explore the issues through drama.
Plays for Social Impact will interest anyone interested in theatre and social issues including theatre lovers, teachers, drama students, social work students, pastoral teachers, social workers, community activists, policy makers and the general public.
'Don't Say A Word takes us on a journey of Paul and Pauline's relationship and seeing the development of their marriage is moving and deeply thought-provoking.'
Kate Clarkson, Three Weeks Review, Edinburgh Fringe Festival
'Don't Say A Word is a well-researched, written and produced play that is both sensitive to the issue but not afraid to tell it like it is.'
Marie Brown, Area Management Co-ordinator, Foyle Women's Aid
Book 4
First produced in 2008, See No Evil looks at the issue of elder abuse. It illustrates the subtle dynamic that exists between the victim and the perpetrator and the difficulties in recognising this kind of abuse. The play was developed in consultation with Age Concern Derry and the Western Health and Social Services Board.
In 2016 See No Evil was adapted by Sken:nen A'Onsonton, an organisation that works with First Nations people on the Kahnawake Reservation in Quebec, Canada. The play was adapted with their elders so that it would relate to their community as part of their Alternative Dispute Resolution Programme.
This publication is part of a series of plays that address social issues and aim to make a social impact. Other plays in the series and by the same author are: Don't Say A Word - a play about domestic violence; A Wee Taste - a play on underage drinking; Every Move You Make - a drama on abusive relationships among young people. Each publication includes a lesson / workshop plan that can be used with groups to explore the issues through drama.
Plays for Social Impact will interest anyone interested in theatre and social issues including theatre lovers, teachers, drama students, social work students, pastoral teachers, social workers, community activists, policy makers and the general public.
'See No Evil was excellent, the actors were terrific. It has opened the eyes of some staff to the reality that this sort of abuse can happen very easily. A very powerful piece of drama that makes you think.'
Christine O'Kane, Project Co-ordinator, U3A Foyle
'The play was excellent; it explored the issues of abuse in a very clear manner. It caused great discussion among teams therefore raising awareness and looking at how better we can deal with abused older people.' Geraldine Hillick, Assistant Director, Western Health and Social Care Trust
'An entertaining, informative, funny yet disturbing and challenging performance.'
John McQuaide, Co-ordinator, HND Health and Social Care, North West Regional College
In 2016 See No Evil was adapted by Sken:nen A'Onsonton, an organisation that works with First Nations people on the Kahnawake Reservation in Quebec, Canada. The play was adapted with their elders so that it would relate to their community as part of their Alternative Dispute Resolution Programme.
This publication is part of a series of plays that address social issues and aim to make a social impact. Other plays in the series and by the same author are: Don't Say A Word - a play about domestic violence; A Wee Taste - a play on underage drinking; Every Move You Make - a drama on abusive relationships among young people. Each publication includes a lesson / workshop plan that can be used with groups to explore the issues through drama.
Plays for Social Impact will interest anyone interested in theatre and social issues including theatre lovers, teachers, drama students, social work students, pastoral teachers, social workers, community activists, policy makers and the general public.
'See No Evil was excellent, the actors were terrific. It has opened the eyes of some staff to the reality that this sort of abuse can happen very easily. A very powerful piece of drama that makes you think.'
Christine O'Kane, Project Co-ordinator, U3A Foyle
'The play was excellent; it explored the issues of abuse in a very clear manner. It caused great discussion among teams therefore raising awareness and looking at how better we can deal with abused older people.' Geraldine Hillick, Assistant Director, Western Health and Social Care Trust
'An entertaining, informative, funny yet disturbing and challenging performance.'
John McQuaide, Co-ordinator, HND Health and Social Care, North West Regional College