STRONGER at Smock Alley Theatre

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Gna Nua Theatre CompanypresentSTRONGER by Geoff PowerSmock Alley Theatre, (Dublin Theatre Festival 2021):September 30 October 9 @ 7:30pmFURTHER INFO at: gunanua.comThe world premiere of a brand new riveting play that uncovers the emerging practice of restorative justice in the Irish legal system:Multi-award-winning theatre company Gna Nua presents the world premiere of STRONGER, a gripping new drama inspired by true events, that deals with the emerging practice of Restorative Justice and redemption. Written by Geoff Power and directed by Paul Meade the play will highlight the challenges within the legal system but how repairing the harm caused by criminal behaviour is imperative. The play was a work-in-progress reading event at Dublin Theatre Festival in 2020 and makes its full staging at the Festival this September at Smock Alley Theatre.Based on a real life event that occurred in the UK, Geoff Powers STRONGER deals with the emerging practice of Restorative Justice and gives audiences a chance to see the need for and witness the power of restorative justice. Telling the gripping story of Jan, a teacher 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. Her harrowing journey through the justice system puts pressure on her relationship with her partner, as her assailant first pleads innocent. During the trial Jan is left upset and confused as she is denied the opportunity to confront her aggressor and is labelled a victim by the Judge. Jan eventually loses patience with the traditional justice route and, against her partners wishes, contacts a restorative justice practitioner called Vicky. She in turn contacts Jans attacker, who is initially resistant to engage in the restorative justice process. As Jan moves closer to a meeting and a possible reconciliation with her assailant, Damon, the relationship with her partner Rob is put under enormous strain as a result. Things are almost at breaking point when a positive meeting between Jan and Damon leads to a healing of sorts with Rob.Paul Meade, Artistic Director of Gna Nua Theatre Company says, When I first read Stronger it really spoke to me because, even though it deals with a very dark side of human behaviour it held out this little flicker of hope that has the potential to grow into something very powerful.Ursula Ferne, Assistant Principal Probation Officer, Irish Probation Service says that The reduction of harm caused by criminality is at the core of Probation practice which works to address offending and its causes. Restorative Justice is part of this work with a specific lens on the harm to people and to relationships and on victim centred approaches that can help to heal and to repair.It is through that same lens that the story of Stronger unfolds as it follows one womans journey through the criminal justice system following a serious sexual assault. Through her quest for understanding, meaning and ultimately a form of resolution, this dramatic portrayal unlocks the very essence of restorative justice.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. We have been delighted to travel some of the way with the writer and to support the staging of the play by Guna Nua as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival 2021.STRONGER features the very human stories that restorative justice serves, brought to life by some of Irelands finest acting talent that includes; Mary Murray (Love Hate), Marcus Lamb (Ros na Rn, Rebellion), Jennifer ODea (Abbey Theatre, The Gate) and Scott Graham (Abbey Theatre, Rialto). It is this practice of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behaviour, that brings back trust in a justice system that can let people down and does not always meet the needs of the people it aims to serve.During the run of the play on Thursday 7 October at 4.00pm, Gna Nua will host a forum (webinar) on Restorative Justice - an on-line event for audiences to hear from and question experts in this important field of justice. At this event Tim Chapman, Chairperson of the Board of the European Forum for Restorative Justice will chair the webinar event, with Noeline Blackwell, CEO Rape Crisis Centre and the Probation Service of Ireland / Department of Justice will take part in this important discussion, with other legal cohorts full guest attendee list to be announced in October.*Contact details will be made available to the audience during the run of this production for anyone who is affected by the themes of this play.CAST: Scott Graham / Marcus Lamb / Mary Murray / Jennifer O'DeaCREATIVE TEAM:Director: Paul MeadeWritten by: Geoff PowerSet and Costume Design: Maree KearnsLighting Design: Mark GalioneVisual Design: John Galvin**Dublin Theatre Festival will run from 30 September 17 October 2021 with a live programme of Irish & International works that artists have been waiting for so long to share with you. DTF 2021 will feature 21 world premieres from leading Irish theatre artists, alongside exciting international work, in a programme that asks questions about our relationship with the city and the environment and welcomes us back to live performance. The Festival will retain a digital element, streaming a number of performances, but is placing the emphasis on live performance and the energy and togetherness that a festival creates. See the full programme at dublintheatrefestival.ieLISTING INFORMATION:Smock Alley Theatre (Main Stage) as part of Dublin Festival 2021Previews: Thursday 30 September @ 7:30pm | 15Opens: Friday 1 @ 7:30pm | 15 - 25Runs until Saturday 9 October (no perf. Oct 4) | 15 - 25Matinees: Saturday 2 October @ 2.30pm / Sunday 3 October @ 2.30pm / Saturday 9 October @ 2.30pm | 15 - 25Smock Alley Box Office - Tel: 01 677 0014 / smockalley.comDTF Box Office Tel. 01 677 8899 / https://dublintheatrefestival.ie/programme/event/stronger*Running Time: 2 hours (with interval)SOCIAL MEDIA:FACEBOOK:@GunaNua / @DublinTheatreFestivalTWITTER:@GuaNuaTheatre / @DubTheatreFestINSTAGRAM:@GuaNuaTheatre / @dublintheatrefestivalYOUTUBE:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd8yxNhD2MdoeIus9s6IPJA/aboutHASHTAG#Strongertheplay