A Queer Ceili (Kabosh) | Art for Reconciliation

A Queer Ceili (Kabosh)

A new production from Kabosh that explores the events of the first National Union of Students Lesbian and Gay Conference, Queen’s University Belfast 1983, based on both interviews with people who were in attendance at the events of the weekend and archival research.

It is based on real events and explores not only those but ‘essences and equivalences’ of the time particularly around identity and activism. Kabosh in partnership with OUTing The Past, written by Dominic Montague and directed by Paula McFetridge, a premiere with the Imagine Belfast Festival of Ideas and Politics. Funders: ACNI, Belfast City Council, Community Relations Council NI, and The Halifax Foundation.

Kabosh is an independent theatre company focused on new theatre in interesting places using the history, stories and buildings of Northern Ireland as its inspiration. Founded in 1994, the company is committed to challenging the notion of what theatre is, where it takes place and who it is for.

The company is core funded by Arts Council Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and the Community Relations Council. This project has also been funded by the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland.

Further Information

Imagine Belfast

Reviews

“Montague offers a glimpse of gay life amid sectarianism, violence and bigotry.”

"The tonal change works a treat, winning hearts and prompting emotional first-hand memories of a small but significant moment in the city’s LGBTQ+ history.”

Irish Times

“The play encourages us not only to look back but also to consider the present and the future. Progress has been made but there is still far to go.”

The Even Hand

“Writer Dominic Montague and director Paula McFetridge break a lot of theatrical rules and in the process create a piece of drama which illuminates a moment of history and deftly challenges strongly held beliefs and worldviews.”

“Montague and Kabosh once again demonstrate their ability to turn heads to gaze in different direction and help audiences hear lesser-told stories that continue to shape the city of Belfast.”

Alan in Belfast

“The opening run of ‘A Queer Céilí’ is a barnstorming performance bringing back to life those heady days when change and revolution were in the air.”

Irish Central

“Brilliant, moving, uplifting, inspiring”

“Amazing performance, extremely funny but poignant. Fantastic exploration of history and community.”

“It gave me a new perspective on this period from a community whose voices are so often silenced/marginalised.” “An important piece in widening the conversation on LGBTQ+ history and rights in Northern Ireland.”
“Plays like this are vital for society right now because they force us to reflect on the injustice of the past and question what we want to see for the future.”

Audience feedback