New drama season at centre

New drama season at centre

21 January 2015

A HARD-HITTING drama launches the new season at Down Arts Centre, with the theatre only one of two Northern Irish venues hosting a performance of Heroin.

Tracing the story of heroin addiction in Ireland, the show stops in Downpatrick on its Irish tour on Saturday, January 31.

Produced by THEATREclub, Heroin charts the social history of the drug in Dublin from the 1960s 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.

And although heroin is no longer something that only happens in Dublin, the play is a reminder of how its pattern is being repeated in smaller towns and cities across Ireland.

What really lies at the heart of this story is how 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 and activist from inner city Dublin, wrote the play, which was produced in 2010 and has since been touring Ireland and Europe.

“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,” said Grace.

“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.

“Each time we tour the work to a new place, I go and spend time there,” she said. “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.”

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, contact the box office on 028 4461 0747 or visit http://www.downartscentre.com.