Down Arts Centre is one of only two Northern Irish venues hosting a performance of HEROIN, a hard-hitting theatre show that traces the history of heroin addiction in Ireland, touring Ireland in early 2015. The show comes to DAC on Saturday 31 January at 8pm.
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Pierre Borasci performing in HEROIN.[/caption]
Produced by THEATREclub, HEROIN charts the social history of the drug in Dublin from the 1960’s to the present day. It shows how heroin came into Dublin and details the three heroin epidemics that unfolded in the nation’s capitol, while successive governments insisted it wasn’t happening. We all know heroin is no longer something that only happens in Dublin. The history of the drug as told in HEROIN, is being repeated in smaller towns and cities across Ireland. History is repeating itself, on your doorstep.
What really lies at the heart of this story is value… how we as humans value each other. The play touches on issues of housing, society, mental health, economy and citizenship, and asks an audience to really consider what makes people take drugs in the first instance, as well as what should be done about it.
Grace Dyas, an artist & activist from inner city Dublin, wrote the play, which was produced in 2010 and has been touring Ireland & Europe since. Grace says, “I wanted to make a piece that provoked a dialogue about the current status of heroin users in our society, particularly the social norm that had developed of an accepted otherness of drug users.
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Lauren Larkin in HEROIN.[/caption]
“I was shocked to hear how many people used the term ‘junkies’ and how little understanding there was about the complexities of addiction. I wanted to make a piece that created empathy in a way that stopped people from using those terms without even knowing it. I wanted to make something engaging, that wouldn’t feel like a news report or a history lesson. HEROIN is a felt experience. It helps you to feel it – which is different to just knowing it. ”
In advance of the performance, Grace will be spending time in Downpatrick. She said: “Each time we tour the work to a new place, I go and spend time there. I learn the history of the drug in that town. I visit those who may be interested and do everything possible to enable them to access the theatre – sadly theatre is not something that many people feel confident about attending. That might mean I give a talk, or it might mean a drama workshop or just a cup of tea.”
If you would like to meet with Grace she can be contacted on 00353 851918419. Community discount tickets can also be booked directly through Grace.
To purchase tickets (£12 / £10) and for further information on any Down Arts Centre events, please contact the box office on 028 4461 0747 or visit:
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Don’t miss the performance of HEROINE in the Down Arts Centre.[/caption]
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