Peacebuilder and Writer Tony Macaulay Partners to Present the Together Stronger Program, a Youth Drama Project
North Belfast, IE (PRWEB) October 07, 2013 -- Tony Macaulay, peacebuilder and critically acclaimed author of Paperboy and Breadboy, has entered a partnership with 174 Trust and Youth Action Northern Ireland as a writer and volunteer artist for the Together Stronger Program. This youth drama project aims to create an issue-based piece of theatre focusing on sectarianism through which 13 to 18 year-olds can share their voices and talents within their communities.
Macaulay has offered to write a script in consultation with local youth around the union flag dispute that arose in late 2012 and led to widespread protests and unrest. Youth Action will provide a core cast of experienced young actors from their Rainbow Factory Project, while 174 Trust will attract further participation from other local young people to fulfill roles in script development, lighting, sound, extras and so on. Two performances of the drama will run at 174 Trust and Youth Action NI in College Square North.
“The opportunity to assist in the development of this drama is an honor,” Macaulay said. “It is a wonderful chance for these young minds to develop their views and opinions, as well as showcase their talents, and I look forward to seeing the outcome of their work and collaboration.”
Throughout the creative process of the Together Stronger program, thirty young people will be given the opportunity to explore, develop and publicly express their views and opinions on sectarianism. Additionally, they will learn and develop devising, rehearsing and performance skills.
“Our objective for the youth drama project is for these young people to challenge and provoke debate in their communities around issues of sectarian division, stereotyping and prejudice,” said Together Stronger Program Coordinator Geoffrey Kerr. “With Tony’s guidance, the program will be a great success and a meaningful experience for our local youth.”
Macaulay has been involved in community development, youth work and peacebuilding for the past 28 years, and worked in establishing the community development project 174 Trust in North Belfast in the 1980s. He established Macaulay Associates in 2001 to provide facilitation and developmental support to organizations committed to creating positive social change. These goals coincide with the 174 Trust and Youth Action’s commitments to build peace amongst communities and to enable the voices of young people to be heard and valued.
For more information on the Together Stronger Program, visit 174trust.org.
Kim Plyler, Sahl Communications Inc, http://www.sahlcommunications.com, +1 (484) 554-5582, [email protected]
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