The Exodus comes home

The production tour, which kicked off in the Waterside Theatre, received standing ovations in Ballybofey, Enniskillen and Ballymena.

Mr Burgess said he was excited about the forthcoming home-town performance and hopes a local audience will come out to see the production which tells a very local story.

Speaking of his ambition of staging the production in the Millennium Forum Burgess commented: “As a man who was born and bred in this city, I am so excited to be bringing The Exodus back home.

“The Millennium Forum is a world-class venue and one I have been privileged to have worked in on many occasions. This is the first time however that a production that I have written and directed is being performed there and although it is slightly daunting I am thrilled to be given this opportunity.

“The drama has received a phenomenal reaction on its tour and I would urge people to come out and see it for themselves.”

Set in the early 1970s The Exodus is a poignant story of life and loss inspired by personal experiences and recollections which have been recorded by Burgess through interviews carried out with people over the past year. The Exodus considers the pressures the Protestant community was placed under during one of the most turbulent periods of Northern Ireland’s history, by examining the deeply painful impact on a single family.

The Exodus centres around devout, respectable businessman Trevor, played by actor James Lecky, who is struggling to come to terms with the recent death of his wife and to support his daughter Emma, played by Sorcha Shanahan, through this difficult time.

Whilst dealing with their personal grief, outside their front door the on-going violence and unrest in their city threatens their home, family business and very lives.

As well as rave audience reactions the production’s cast were praised by the Irish Theatre Magazine who praised actor James Lecky’s “heartfelt” performance. Sorcha Shanahan’s portrayal of daughter Emma was equally reviewed and praised for its energy.

The Exodus stage play is part of a trilogy of resources which have been developed to tell the story of the exodus. A book “The Exodus – the story that had to be told” is available from the Sentinel and in shops priced at £5.99.

An accompanying website will also be available for people to share their own exodus stories – www.theexodusni.com.

For tickets to the performance in the Millennium Forum on 29 September telephone 028 7126 4455 or purchase your tickets online www.millenniumforum.co.uk

The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s ‘Your Heritage’ programme, Derry City Council and Community Relations Council.