Youth groups perform Unmasked

The young people from Seven Derry’s Youth Club, Aghagallon and their peers from Maghery, Derrymore, Derrymacash and Lurgan delivered an even more revitalised show.

The Unmasked 2 Performance was targeted at young people age 11–25 attending youth club/groups throughout the SELB Youth Service Sector. Around 400 young people from the Craigavon, Cookstown, Banbridge, Dungannon, Newry, Armagh and districts attended the performance.

The performance themes covered stress, depression, bullying, drugs, sexual health, alcohol and an additional theme around anorexia (eating disorder). This new theme was written by a cast member and performed outstandingly.

“This performance again is powerful. It exposes the harsh reality of youth suffering different wellbeing situations in isolation,” said Support Youth Worker Larry Hamilton.

Unmasked (Revealed) was underpinned by an Audience Interactive Question/Answer Panel with representatives from a range of wellbeing agencies. Young people from across Northern Ireland asked open questions and were responded with by honesty and care.

The Unmasked short play encourages anyone in mental, physical or emotional pain to not suffer all alone. Their seemingly hopelessness situations can always be overcome with the appropriate help and support to move forward in a positive manner, according to the organisers.

This very point was highlighted through an amazing open and honest testimonial from a member of PIPS (Public Initiative for Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm); bring this important performance into reality.

The play is written and directed by Pamela Cassells, Active Communities in collaboration with young people of the cast and production team.

The Unmasked 2 Production is an inter-community partnership approach involving rural youth clubs, wellbeing agencies, Moyraverty Arts & Drama Society, Active Communities, PSNI Lurgan North/East Neighbourhood Team and the SELB Youth Service.

Representatives from all partnership agencies provide the necessary support and resources to ensure the young people involved in all aspects of the production receive the necessary support to make the project become a reality once again.

“The main question remains to be answered: What happens next? I hope in partnership with all agencies that we can bring this powerful performance to another level and into our schools and all youth arenas,” said by Constable Doherty, Lurgan Neighbourhood Policing Team.