Speak Up play reaches hundreds across the borough!

Hundreds of people recently came together during Hate Crime Awareness Week to experience Speak Up, a powerful theatre production exploring themes of hate crime, respect and inclusion.

Delivered in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership and Southern Regional College Performing Arts students, the thought-provoking play toured venues across the borough, reaching almost 900 audience members across seven performances.

Students from 20 schools attended alongside members of the public, helping to create important conversations about prejudice, understanding and the role we all play in building more inclusive communities.

Developed and performed by second-year Southern Regional College students, Speak Up used a series of impactful scenes to challenge perceptions, encourage empathy and highlight the real-life impact of hate crime.

The production was made possible through the support of 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.

“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.”