Official Launch of Halfway House at Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry

On Tuesday 19 January 2016, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane officially launched the play ‘Halfway House’ at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry.

The fictional drama, written and produced by Philip Orr, tells the personal stories of Bronagh and Valerie, played by Louise Parker and Antoinette Morelli, who meet in 1966 and discover how the events of 1916 shaped their own history and legacy.

Speaking at the Launch which was attended by over 120 people, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane said, “2016 is an extremely significant year for all of us on the island of Ireland. The Commemorations that will be taking place over the coming months will help us all remember, as well as reflect on our shared history.”

The play was developed as part of The Centre of Contemporary Christianity 1916 Programme with financial support from the Community Relations Council.

This event marks the beginning of the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Decade of Centenaries 2016 Programme which is currently being finalised. Over the coming months Down County Museum and Newry and Mourne Museum in Bagenals Castle will include a variety of lectures, conferences, exhibitions and a number of courses which will explore the importance of this historical period.

For more information about the play, please contact Contemporary Christianity, 21 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast by telephone on 028 9032 5258.