Journeys Masterclass: Theatre of Witness
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October 21, 2024
Young people from the Springboard Journeys programme recently participated in a transformative masterclass with Theatre of Witness, an organisation renowned for its unique approach to storytelling, healing, and peacebuilding in Northern Ireland. The session offered participants a rare opportunity to engage with the powerful legacy of the Troubles through storytelling, exploring themes of reconciliation and shared understanding.
The masterclass introduced them to the voices of individuals from both sides of the conflict who have used theatre as a way to share their stories and foster dialogue between divided communities.
For many of the young people, whose lives have been shaped by the legacy of the Troubles even years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, this was an eye-opening experience. Daniel, a participant on the Journeys programme shared his perspective of the event;
“The stories gave me a lot more empathy for them. I thought differently afterwards, I would like to hear more about the aftermath of The Troubles and how these people actually dealt with their trauma.”
Through an immersive Q&A, the group explored the impact of trauma, but also the resilience and strength that has emerged in post-conflict Northern Ireland. Participants gained insight into how theatre and storytelling have been used to bridge divides, providing a voice for those who have been silenced and offering a path towards collective healing.
By the end of the masterclass, many of the young people expressed a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling as a tool for peacebuilding. They left with a deeper understanding of the ongoing challenges in Northern Ireland’s journey toward healing and reconciliation, and the importance of empathy in that process. Overall the day proved highly impactful for participants.