Produced by Gúna Nua, and supported by the Arts Council, The Probation Service and Dublin City Council, Stronger took place in Smock Alley Theatre main space from 30th September to 9th October as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival 2021.
Inspired by true events, Stronger tells the story of Jan, a teacher who is sexually assaulted by her student. As Jan journeys through the legal system, she struggles to find closure and her life is in danger of falling apart. A glimmer of hope appears but it could mean lying to the person she loves the most and confronting the person who has done her most harm.
This tense drama deals with the emerging practice of Restorative Justice and the very human stories that it serves.
“ Scott Graham is outstanding as the young perpetrator” Katy Hayes – Irish Independent.
Cast:
Scott Graham
Marcus Lamb
Fionntán Larney
Mary Murray
Jennifer O’Dea
Directed by Paul Meade
Written by Geoff Power
Dramaturgy by Hannah Slattne
Produced by Gill McCaw
Production Manager Anthony Hanley
Stage Manager: Leanne Vaughey
Set and Costume Design: Maree Kearns
Lighting Design: Mark Galione
AV Design: John Galvin
Sound Design: Michael Stapleton
“The Probation Service recognises the power of this play to create a wider community awareness of the impact of sexual violence on those harmed and to demonstrate how restorative justice can respond to needs, often unmet in traditional justice procedure. Both the Probation Service and the Department of Justice appreciate the important role of the Arts in highlighting and promoting discussion on social issues.”– The Probation Services
Restorative Justice Webinar
This production was accompanied by a webinar on Restorative Justice as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival Talking Theatre programme on Thursday 7th October.
The webinar featured a panel discussion with experts in the field of Restorative Justice, academics, a senior district court judge and writer Goeff Power, after which questions were opened to the general public.
Panel Chair: Tim Chapman, chair of the Board of the European Forum for Restorative Justice
Panel guests:
Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre
Ursula Fernée, Assistant Principal Probation Officer, Probation Service Restorative Justice and Victim Services Unit
Ian Marder, Assistant Professor in Criminology NUIM
Geoff Power, Writer and documentary maker
A Senior District Court Judge
Last year saw the inclusion of a reading of this play with a webinar in the Festival Plus Programme. You can read more about the 2020 rendition of Stronger here.
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We would like to express our sincere gratitude towards our patrons and supporters, especially the Arts Council of Ireland, The Probation Service, Department of Justice, and Dublin City Council.
