Sharing Peace, Sharing Futures celebrated a diverse set of voices and perspectives in partnership with the Abbey Theatre, to mark 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. It included contributions from: Roddy Doyle, Paul Muldoon, Gail McConnell, Clannad, Patrick Radden Keefe, and Aoife Ní Bhriain among many others.
The event that took place in Abbey Theatres on Sunday 2 April 2023 was attended by many prominent dignitaries.
The Abbey Theatre in Dublin featured artists and writers from both sides of the border and beyond. Co Armagh poet Paul Muldoon spoke at the event and there was music from traditional music legends Clannad, amongst others.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the evening showcased the rich diversity of values and identities, which had found accommodation in the historic accord a quarter of a century ago.
“Sharing Peace, Sharing Futures is part of the Government of Ireland’s programme of events to mark the Good Friday Agreement, which includes events across Ireland’s network of Embassies and Consulates.“
Speaking in advance of the event, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said:
“The Good Friday Agreement was about creating a better future for all the people on these islands. For too long, the idea of peace and a path to reconciliation seemed an impossible aspiration. Twenty-five years ago, we achieved what some thought impossible. People chose to believe in the potential for peace and the promise of a better future. So it is absolutely right that now, in this anniversary year, we celebrate all those who took the decisive steps needed to make this happen.
“This anniversary is also an opportunity to look forward together in hope. We should use this moment to focus particularly on reconciliation, and how we can build a shared island together.”
Caitríona McLaughlin, Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre said:
“We are very proud to host this highly significant event with the government in the Abbey Theatre. To mark 25 years of our shared commitment to peace on this island and to consider where we might be in another 25 years? Who knows? But the Abbey Theatre will be here to hold the conversation, help ask the questions and let us all practice, without living through, a future as yet unwritten.”
Alan Gilsenan, Creative Director of Sharing Peace, Sharing Futures said:
“In the twenty-five years since the Good Friday Agreement, artists across the whole island have conjured up things anew, inventing, questioning, and reimagining in a shared space that moves us, challenges us, inspires us – but above all, includes us.”
Sharing Peace, Sharing Futures is part of the Government of Ireland’s programme of events to mark the Good Friday Agreement, which includes events across Ireland’s network of Embassies and Consulates.