06/10/2003
'Sortin' out community divisions through drama
The Mixed Links Initiative, a community-based theatre project funded by the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II), is set to produce a play that explores the complexities of living in a mixed community.
The play, Sortin’ Stevie, will be performed by local people and will include audience involvement so that the outcome of each performance will depend on the reactions of those participating in the performance.
Karen McFarlane, resource worker for the initiative, said: “Involving the audience in the play enables everyone to think about the decisions that people make in their daily lives. It also allows the participants to raise issues that concern them in a non-threatening and interesting way. This is of particular benefit in a community that is mixed and is trying to work for a shared vision and a shared future."
Shaun Henry, Peace Director for the Special EU Programmes Body, which oversees the Peace II Programme, added: “This innovative use of community drama is one example of how Peace funding can make a difference at the very heart of a local neighbourhood. We are all trying to live together and find ways of validating all our cultures; this project benefits not only Ballynafeigh, but it will also help other groups to think more creatively."
The play will be on stage at the end of November and a publication will follow, focusing on the issues raised during its production. This publication will be circulated to interested groups in the hope that it sparks discussion on community development.
The project has received nearly £212,000, for a range of initiatives, from Peace II through the Community Relations Council and is based at the Ballynafeigh Community Development Association.
(MB)
The play, Sortin’ Stevie, will be performed by local people and will include audience involvement so that the outcome of each performance will depend on the reactions of those participating in the performance.
Karen McFarlane, resource worker for the initiative, said: “Involving the audience in the play enables everyone to think about the decisions that people make in their daily lives. It also allows the participants to raise issues that concern them in a non-threatening and interesting way. This is of particular benefit in a community that is mixed and is trying to work for a shared vision and a shared future."
Shaun Henry, Peace Director for the Special EU Programmes Body, which oversees the Peace II Programme, added: “This innovative use of community drama is one example of how Peace funding can make a difference at the very heart of a local neighbourhood. We are all trying to live together and find ways of validating all our cultures; this project benefits not only Ballynafeigh, but it will also help other groups to think more creatively."
The play will be on stage at the end of November and a publication will follow, focusing on the issues raised during its production. This publication will be circulated to interested groups in the hope that it sparks discussion on community development.
The project has received nearly £212,000, for a range of initiatives, from Peace II through the Community Relations Council and is based at the Ballynafeigh Community Development Association.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 September 2004
Peace Boat arrives in Belfast
The world famous Peace Boat has arrived in Northern Ireland as part of its 46th world trip. The Japanese vessel arrived in the province on Wednesday for a two-day visit which will focus on youth activism and community work in Belfast, before heading of to the United States for the 3rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist atrocities in New York.
Peace Boat arrives in Belfast
The world famous Peace Boat has arrived in Northern Ireland as part of its 46th world trip. The Japanese vessel arrived in the province on Wednesday for a two-day visit which will focus on youth activism and community work in Belfast, before heading of to the United States for the 3rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist atrocities in New York.
20 February 2025
£3.1m In Grants Awarded To Rural Community Groups
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA has announced £3.1 million in grants under the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS). The funding will benefit an estimated 150,000 people living in rural areas.
£3.1m In Grants Awarded To Rural Community Groups
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA has announced £3.1 million in grants under the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS). The funding will benefit an estimated 150,000 people living in rural areas.
29 May 2008
Welcome For Antrim Project's Job Creation
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town.
Welcome For Antrim Project's Job Creation
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town.
22 October 2024
Peace Wall To Make Way For Community Building Project
Over 40 meters of the peace wall on Ballygomartin Road in west Belfast will be removed in the second phase of a shared space project. The project, known as the Black Mountain Shared Space (BMSS), aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming community space.
Peace Wall To Make Way For Community Building Project
Over 40 meters of the peace wall on Ballygomartin Road in west Belfast will be removed in the second phase of a shared space project. The project, known as the Black Mountain Shared Space (BMSS), aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming community space.
16 December 2022
West Belfast Interface Wall Removed
Sections of a three-metre-high interface wall in west Belfast have been removed to make way for the construction of a new EU-funded shared community space. The Black Mountain Shared Space Project will see a new purpose-built, cross-community facility open in winter 2023 at an interface area between the Ballygomartin and Springfield communities.
West Belfast Interface Wall Removed
Sections of a three-metre-high interface wall in west Belfast have been removed to make way for the construction of a new EU-funded shared community space. The Black Mountain Shared Space Project will see a new purpose-built, cross-community facility open in winter 2023 at an interface area between the Ballygomartin and Springfield communities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
