Agóid

In the not too distant future and against a background of political and economic turmoil, a young woman, Rose Stafford and a group of young environmental activists form CounterACTion. Inspired by the cultural ambitions of the leaders of the Easter Rising, Irish becomes the de-facto language of dissent and theatre becomes the weapon of protest.

The members of CounterACTion are staging a reading of a play – An Abhainn. They are staging it illegally in support of a fellow activist who has been accused of hitting a member of the Citizen Militia during a clash at a local fracking site. Using a play within a play technique, Agóid, meaning Protest, looks at how events are remembered and portrayed to re-enforce a political agenda. Over the course of the evening, loyalties are tested as audience and performers alike question the narrative as the real world comes crashing in around them.

Written and performed in Irish and English this play offers a worthwhile challenge for any youth theatre ensemble or school group.