RJ's Leaving Day

Tinderbox Theatre Company

RJ’s Leaving Day, follows two teenage girls as a group on Facebook catapults them into a whirlwind of protest, politics and media attention. Their actions lead to the prospect of a mass migration of 16-18 year olds from Northern Ireland, throwing both the Stormont Government and parents into a panic.

Entirely written by its young cast of performers, with expert guidance from Tinderbox Theatre Company’s Outreach Director Ciaran McQuillan, RJ’s Leaving Day dramatises the frustrations felt by young people at their lack of a role in society and how little say they have in the decisions that affect their lives. The project is the culmination of nine months work between Tinderbox, the Children’s Law Centre and community groups across Belfast.

The show was originally performed in February at the Baby Grand in Belfast’s Grand Opera House, where OFMDFM Junior Ministers Gerry Kelly and Robin Newton were so impressed that they invited it to appear in the Long Gallery, Stormont on 21st March.

Commenting on RJ’s Leaving Day Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said: “I have been greatly inspired by the work and passion that has gone into the writing and production of this fantastic show. With clever scripting and good use of humour, the young people have managed to capture and accurately portray some of the key issues facing them today from relationships with the police, education fees, how the media portrays young people and having a voice on issues affecting them. We always make it a priority to listen to children and young people as we know they have the ability to bring a different and valuable view to the table. I wish them every success with the play.”

DIRECTOR

Ciaran McQuillan

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Mary-Frances Doherty

CLC Co-ordinator: Aine Hargey

Set & Costume Design: Diana Ennis

Lighting Design: Damian Cox

Sound Design: James Kennedy

Devised and Performed by the Cast