Play to Shed New Light on the Death of Julie Livingstone, a Victim of the Troubles

A new play is set to reveal previously untold details surrounding the ‍death of 14-year-old Julie Livingstone, who was killed by a ⁣plastic baton round fired by the British ⁤Army in 1981. The production, by Kabosh Theater Company, aims to explore the long-term impact of the Troubles on families and foster reconciliation through⁣ open conversation.

Unveiling the ⁢Untold Story

For decades, the story of Julie Livingstone has been a painful reminder of the conflict in Northern Ireland. While the basic facts of her death are known – she was the youngest of 13 children and it took three‍ inquests to declare her an innocent victim – much of what happened in the aftermath remained private, shielded by family grief⁢ and trauma.

Charlotte⁢ McCurry, Julie’s niece, will perform in the play, detailing the⁣ experiences of her aunt and her family. McCurry secured her family’s permission before proceeding, even offering a preview to her mother and aunties. “I made sure I checked with them first to see that they were cozy with this production being put on,” she explained. “I did give my mummy and my aunties a bit of‍ a sneak preview ‍a couple⁣ of weeks⁢ ago. I ⁤read it to them in my mummy’s living room just to make sure they were ok with everything.”

The ⁤play will delve into the crucial hours following the ⁢shooting,revealing ⁤what happened after Julie initially survived overnight.It will also explore the profound grief and the role of faith in helping her parents cope with their loss – a process that spanned years. ⁣

The Long Shadow of trauma

Kabosh Theatre Company, known for its work focusing on the legacy of the Troubles, ‍believes it’s vital to move beyond commonly known narratives. artistic director Paula McFetridge emphasizes that while many in west Belfast may think they⁤ know the story, they are unaware of the intimate details surrounding Julie’s final hours and the enduring impact on her family.

“What they don’t know is what happened from the moment Julie was shot until‍ she died,as she survived overnight,” McFetridge stated. “What they won’t know is how her mother and father came to terms with the loss‍ and the role that faith played⁤ in that and what a long process it was.”

McFetridge highlights the importance ⁣of acknowledging the ⁢long-term consequences of the conflict. “I think what we don’t talk about so often is the long term impact on⁣ families.”

Despite the ⁣tragic subject matter,the play won’t solely focus on sorrow. It will also⁢ incorporate elements of humor and portray the vibrancy of ‍teenage life in 1980s Belfast,offering a more complete picture of Julie as an individual.

Fostering Dialogue and Reconciliation

The production will be structured in two parts: a performance ⁤followed by a facilitated discussion, providing a space for audience members⁣ to share their own experiences. Kabosh plans to stage the play in loyalist areas as well, utilizing local facilitators to encourage exploration of shared themes of loss and suffering. This approach mirrors previous triumphant productions that brought difficult conversations to different communities.

This commitment to inclusive dialogue is particularly crucial, McFetridge argues, given the current‍ political climate and attempts by the⁢ UK government to “draw a line under the past.”

“We cannot move the conversation forward unless we bear witness to the number of stories that exist within the ‍legacy of the conflict, no matter what community they come from,” she asserts. “If we don’t provide possibilities for people to have informed conversations that challenge their misconceptions,⁣ that facilitates communal discussion around things that⁢ caused⁣ pain and trauma, we’re going to have a ⁣very thin reconciliation.”

McFetridge believes creating safe spaces for open communication⁣ is essential ‍for genuine reconciliation.”She⁤ said you have to provide spaces⁣ where people can talk about the impact of it all “to have a deep reconciliation”. “That is how we ensure that the cycle of violence doesn’t return. That’s how we ensure we don’t pass on trauma ‍to the next generation.”

The play about Julie Livingstone is more than just a historical recounting; it’s a powerful step towards acknowledging the past, understanding its lasting effects, and building a more peaceful future for Northern Ireland.

Image of Julie Livingstone
Julie Livingstone⁣ was killed by a plastic baton round fired by the British Army.

[Image of Charlotte McCurry](https://www.rte.ie/images/00