Still We Weave When Growing Up Pulls You Apart
Standing Ovations in Belfast and Drogheda!
Powerful stories of knife crime, self-harm, attempted suicide and addiction were on stage in the MAC last month performed by the young people who had experienced these challenges.
The powerful youth theatre production, Still We Weave, created by young people from Belfast and Drogheda received standing ovations at both the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) in Belfast and Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda.
The production opened with a powerful monologue by Support Worker Sean Conlon, referencing his brother’s life.
“All your problems tangled in one big web. My brother never made it out. He chose a different path, one that ended too soon. But I’m still here. Still trying to weave something better. But when you grow up the way we did, the threads pull you apart.”
The project, delivered in partnership by Extern and the MAC, brought together young people from different backgrounds, communities and life experiences, giving them the opportunity to write, create and perform a theatre production shaped by their experiences.
A Raw and Unfiltered Look at What Young People Are Living Through
Co-developed through months of workshops, conversations and collaborative writing with Playwright Tony Macaulay and Extern Project Coordinator / Director Cheryl O’Dwyer, the thirteen young people explored their own experiences of addiction, mental health, trauma, parenting, school challenges, and grief. Using theatre, music, storytelling, poetry, humour and visual art, the cast transformed these experiences into something deeply moving, authentic and compelling.
During the production the young people said:
“I don’t understand the system. But you can’t tick-box pain. You can’t rebuild trust while interrogating a child.” “You can’t staple together a family with red tape and good intentions.”
Audiences Responded with Emotion and Applause
The honesty and bravery of the cast resonated strongly with audiences in both cities. Many described the piece as one of the most poignant youth led productions they had ever seen.
Elaine Forde, Creative Learning Manager at the MAC said:
“This wonderful group of young people shared their life experiences on stage. They did not shy away from dark and difficult experiences. They balanced the darkness by showcasing their own creative talents including acting, singing, poetry, guitar, keyboards and painting. Congratulations to them all.”
Playwright Tony Macaulay reflected:
“Co-writing Still We Weave with this talented group was an unforgettable privilege. The play they created ignited audiences with raw power, fearless storytelling and the uncompromising voices of young people determined to be heard.”
Extern Project Coordinator / Director Cheryl O’Dwyer added:
“It was an honour to witness these young people’s strength, creativity and resilience. Their compassion and generosity does not reflect the darkness many of them have lived through. I am more than proud of what they achieved. I am changed.”
A Project About Healing, Hope and Holding On
For the young cast, Still We Weave became an opportunity to reclaim their stories, to show what young people are navigating today, and to remind others that trauma does not define them.
As a group, they shared:
“We wanted people to know you can move on, that the story is not finished. We wanted to show what young people are really living through and how we cope, survive and keep weaving.”
This cross-border project was funded by Creative Youth through the Shared Ireland Initiative.
