Stories inspired by Belfast’s homeless to be told in outdoor theatrical performances –

Innovative products inspired by the wonderful stories of Belfast’s homeless community will take the form of a walking tour of the city.

The Belfast-based Theater Company has announced the return of the 2019 play “This Streets,” which was remade in 2021 as a walking tour of downtown Belfast.

These streets were created when the company’s technical director, Anna Lake, was shocked to learn that nearly 150 homeless people had died in 11 months in 2019 in Northern Ireland. Homelessness and homelessness is a huge problem in Northern Ireland, and one that usually goes unnoticed.

After interviewing people who have lived and currently experience homelessness, their stories came together to create two 45-minute stories about the city: “Dinosaur” and “Ice Cream.” Dinosaur is a story about homelessness on the street, hostel life and addiction. Ice cream fights hidden homelessness and relationships that were too good to be true. The outdoor theater experience will begin and end at St Ann’s Square in Belfast.

These streets are a modified version of the Three’s Theater Company, which was created last year as part of World Homeless Awareness Day, October 10. It was originally funded by Arts and Business NI through their OutsideIN investment program in partnership with streetwear brand that promoted social impact and charities Simon Community NI and is founded in The Mac, Belfast. The production of the 2021 production is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, with 10% of ticket sales going directly to Simon Community NI.

Anna Leakey, Artistic Director of Three’s Theater Company, said: “We are proud to return these streets to the public in 2021 with the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The shocking article about 150 people dying on the streets of Belfast in 2019 encouraged me to develop a product that highlights the Homelessness in the city.

“There are so many ways to leave people homeless, so we decided to incorporate only some of their stories, so our fictions are grounded in reality, and the situations are just right. With a Chosen Theatre approach, our brilliant writers Colm G. Doran and Gina Donnelly Brendan Quinn and the incredible vocal talent of Adele Grippon We hope that these avenues can support the much-needed catalyst for change.

The Arts Council supports this production with the Stabilization and Regeneration Program funded by the Department of Communities. Caoilean Curry-Thompson, Dance and Drama Officer at Northern Ireland Arts Council comments: “In recent years, Three’s Theater has continued to push boundaries and build a strong reputation as an innovative and first-class theater producer.

“At a time when cinemas and theaters remain closed and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is still being felt in all walks of life, this January these streets will bring to viewers the stories of some of our most vulnerable citizens. Provoke them. A much-needed discussion on this important question. “.

Kieran Kaur, from Simon Community NI, said, “These streets are great business and we encourage as many people as possible to see them. We are very grateful for the support of the Compagnia dei Tre Teatri. For many people, the stereotype of the homeless is someone sleeping on the street. However, This is not a reality, especially here in Northern Ireland.

“Fortunately, we don’t have the same level of homelessness in the UK and other parts of Ireland, but that doesn’t mean the homelessness crisis is less severe in Northern Ireland.”

These streets will be open on Sundays 16:00-18:00 from 21 February to 14 March, ticket price £8 (plus booking fee) and age indication: 14+ (some indication of strong language and adults).

For more information, including reservations, visit www.threestheatrecompany.com.