Nearly 900 people see powerful Speak Up hate-crime play across Armagh borough

Almost 900 people saw a powerful theatre production exploring hate crime, respect and inclusion during Hate Crime Awareness Week across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough.

Speak Up was delivered through a partnership between the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and Performing Arts students from Southern Regional College. The production toured venues across the borough, with seven performances attended by members of the public and students from 20 schools.

Students put hate crime and inclusion in the spotlight

Created and performed by second-year Southern Regional College students, the play used a series of impactful scenes to challenge perceptions and encourage empathy. It examined the real-life impact of hate crime while asking audiences to consider prejudice, understanding and the part individuals can play in building more inclusive communities.

The council said the performances helped create important conversations about hate crime and respect among both school groups and members of the public. The production was described as thought-provoking and designed to raise awareness in an accessible way.

Lord Mayor praises students and project partners

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Councillor Mary O’Dowd said the production had delivered an important message in a powerful way.

“Speak Up delivered an important message in a powerful and accessible way,” commented the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd. “The performances encouraged audiences to think about the impact of hate crime, while promoting respect, understanding and inclusion. We are incredibly proud of the students and grateful to all our partners for helping bring this message to communities across the borough.”

The project was supported by Police Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, the Hate Crime Advocacy Service, Victim Support NI, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, The Executive Office, the Department of Justice NI and the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

The PCSP worked with the college’s Performing Arts students to deliver Speak Up as an awareness-raising production focused on hate crime, respect and inclusion. Its seven performances brought the message to audiences across the borough during Hate Crime Awareness Week.