Northern Investing for Health Partnership

Testimonies is a professional theatre performance and consists of three dramatic monologues adapted from the experiences of those who have lost loved ones to suicide and from the experiences of those who have been through a suicidal crisis and survived.

Each performance is followed by a post-show discussion with a panel including a counsellor, the actors, Gabrielle Nellis, Public Health Agency Suicide Prevention Co-ordinator (Northern area), Conor McCafferty, Zest (Family Outreach Support for Self Harm project, Northern Area) and invited guest speakers from the Samaritans and local community network organizations.  Audience members are invited to discuss the issues raised by the performances.

The performance is free and is suitable for those aged 15 years plus with free admission to all performances. Booking is essential.

In response to “Protect Life: A Shared Vision, a Government strategy for Suicide Prevention within Northern Ireland”, Gabrielle Nellis, Public Health Agency Suicide Prevention Co-ordinator (Northern area) is currently working to help develop and co-ordinate actions within existing and newly developed partnerships.   Speaking about the play, Gabrielle Nellis, said:

We are delighted to be working with Smashing Times and to be supporting this initiative through funding which has enabled the performance to be staged at a number of local venues across the Northern area. 

“The drama provides a unique opportunity to address this particularly sensitive subject and each performance is supported with a post-show discussion involving a counsellor, actors, the Samaritans, the

Irish Association of Suicidology and other organisations.   I hope that those living or working in the Northern area will be able to attend and benefit greatly from such a powerful, supportive and educational performance through Smashing Times’ suicide awareness monologues.” The roadshow is free for those who wish to attend, but booking is essential through the venue.

For further information on local suicide prevention developments and also support information, please contact Gabrielle Nellis, tel: 028 2531 1172 or email: gabrielle.nellis@hscni.net

Testimonies consists of three monologues as follows:

A Day Out by Paul Kennedy tells the story of two friends in their twenties and their last day together. It is directed by Ena May and performed by Keith Ward.

In One Breath,  written and directed by Mary Moynihan,  is a portrait of a woman in the eye of the storm, battling mental illness. It is performed by Therese Mullan.

Is There Anything We Can Do? by Paul Kennedy,  is a dramatic performance where a mother fights the spectre of suicide and is performed by Margaret Toomey.

Smashing Times Theatre Company Ltd is a professional theatre company involved in professional performance, training and participation. The work of the company is underpinned by a rights-

based approach and a commitment to artistic excellence and social engagement.  The company has four high profile patrons – Maeve

Binchy, Brian Friel, Tim Pat Coogan and Robert Kee. The company is supported by Dublin City Council Arts Office.

If you would like further information please contact:

Freda Manweiler,

Company Manager,
Smashing Times Theatre Company Ltd,
tel: 003531 865 6613
Publicity Contact: tel: 0035387 050 8325

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