Join us for an evening of performance and conversation at the Old Courthouse Antrim on Wednesday 16 March from 7.30pm – 9.30pm, exploring women’s political roles, past and present, in 100-year-old Northern Ireland. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council presents this event as part of its NI Centenary project, Daughters of the Decades, with support provided through the Shared History Fund grant from the Northern Ireland Office, distributed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The evening commences with Shrieking Sisters, a theatrical work by Maggie Cronin and Carol Moore which brings alive the local birth in 1914 of a militant campaign for women’s suffrage. Real-life women, and their struggles of more than a century ago, are re-animated against the backdrop of unionist-nationalist conflict.
Eminent historians Dr Myrtle Hill and Dr Margaret Ward offer expert reflections on that story, and tell us what happened next for women in the fledgling state of Northern Ireland.
We conclude with a conversation among performers, guests and audience about why and how women have involved themselves in politics here in the last 100 years, and what politics might look like for the women of the future.
We look forward to seeing you, and hearing your thoughts, as we remember, celebrate and imagine women’s achievements in the field of politics.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb said “This unique event offers a great opportunity to find out about the roles of women in politics and how this has shaped the future of women politicians today in Northern Ireland.”
Dr Paul Mullan, Heritage Fund Director, Northern Ireland said: “The Heritage Fund is delighted to support Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council through the Shared History Fund. We are delivering the Shared History Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office to help a wide range of groups mark the Centenary of Northern Ireland in a thoughtful, inclusive and engaging way. This project is one of 39 projects funded through the programme and will help a wide range of people explore the key events and moments in Northern Ireland’s history.”
Tickets for Shrieking Sisters are free of charge and are available online www.theoldcourthousetheatre.com or call Box Office on 0300 123 7788.