Standing Ovations in Belfast and Drogheda!
“Co-writing Still We Weave with this talented group was an unforgettable privilege. The play they created ignited audiences with raw power, fearless storytelling and the uncompromising voices of young people determined to be heard.” Playwright Tony Macaulay
Powerful stories of knife crime, self-harm, attempted suicide and addiction were on stage in the MAC theatre in Belfast in November 2025 performed by the young people who had experienced these challenges.
The powerful youth theatre production, Still We Weave, co-written by Tony Macaulay and young people from Belfast and Drogheda received standing ovations at both the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) in Belfast and Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda.
The project, delivered in partnership by Extern and the MAC, brought together young people from different backgrounds, communities and life experiences, giving them the opportunity to write, create and perform a theatre production shaped by their experiences.
Co-developed through months of workshops, conversations and collaborative writing with Playwright Tony Macaulay and Extern Project Coordinator / Director Cheryl O’Dwyer, the thirteen young people explored their own experiences of addiction, mental health, trauma, parenting, school challenges, and grief. Using theatre, music, storytelling, poetry, humour and visual art, the cast transformed these experiences into something deeply moving, authentic and compelling.
Audiences Responded with Emotion and Applause
The honesty and bravery of the cast resonated strongly with audiences in both cities. Many described the piece as one of the most poignant youth led productions they had ever seen.
Elaine Forde, Creative Learning Manager at the MAC said:
“This wonderful group of young people shared their life experiences on stage. They did not shy away from dark and difficult experiences. They balanced the darkness by showcasing their own creative talents including acting, singing, poetry, guitar, keyboards and painting. Congratulations to them all.”
Extern Project Coordinator / Director Cheryl O’Dwyer added:
“It was an honour to witness these young people’s strength, creativity and resilience. Their compassion and generosity does not reflect the darkness many of them have lived through. I am more than proud of what they achieved. I am changed.”
For the young cast, Still We Weave became an opportunity to reclaim their stories, to show what young people are navigating today, and to remind others that trauma does not define them.
As a group, the young people shared:
“We wanted people to know you can move on, that the story is not finished. We wanted to show what young people are really living through and how we cope, survive and keep weaving.”
This cross-border project was funded by Creative Youth through the Shared Ireland Initiative.
