A performance of ‘Life Force’ to a full house in the Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre on Thorncastle Street on March 5th explored the causes and possible prevention of suicide in a dramatic presentation of true cases researched by young people in their own communities and acted out by them.
Working in ways that build expressiveness and confidence, Crooked House facilitators provide a safe space for participants to explore ways of expressing their concerns, needs and suggestions in relation to suicide prevention strategies for their communities.
The performance was followed by a discussion with the audience facilitated by Peter Hussey, Artistic Director of Crooked House Theatre. Crooked House uses drama techniques to explore issues of well-being and suicide prevention. The project is supported through the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Life Force is a project co-ordinated by Blue Drum, working in partnership with Crooked House Theatre and community groups in Swords/ Baldoyle, Tallaght and Ringsend. All of the participating groups identified suicide and its prevention as an important issue for their communities. In parallel with the creative drama work, the group is developing suitable suicide prevention protocols, which can be adapted for each community.
The short scenes and monologues were performed by young people from Swords/ Baldoyle and Tallaght as well as members and staff from Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre.
An initial aim of the project was to build confidence in performing, expressing real-life issues dramatically, bonding each group, and exploring techniques and skills for devising drama pieces. It was clear that this had been achieved, as heartbreaking true stories of youthful suicides were sensitively presented. Afterwards Peter Hussey asked, at what point could the outcome have possibly been changed? Who in the situation could have behaved differently, or intervened in a positive way?
One of the young actors gave an especially moving statement that she did not have to do research to learn about suicide in her community; both her sister and later her brother had committed suicide, sadly leaving their children, her nephews and nieces, without their parent.
There are a number of support services for people suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm, as well as support for people bereaved by suicide.
The Samaritans provide 24 hours a day confidential support on their helpline, 1850 609 090 for people feeling distress or despair. Teen Line Ireland is 1800 833 634, while Childline is 1 800 666 666. Pieta House has a centre for the Prevention of Self Harm or Suicide. Their phone is 01 601 1000. They offer a free-of-charge treatment programme for people in need of this service.
The National Suicide Bereavement Network offers details of support groups and information for those bereaved by suicide at their website, www.nsbsn.org.