Annual Lyric Showcase
The annual 4-day Lyric Theatre residency featured 4 Rogue Encounters Projects: Physical Graffiti, All Doors Open, and Lyric All Ability Project.
Yet again, an incredibly diverse range of participants, with 35 participants in total taking the stage, and, as always, a wonderful sense of creative exuberance, joy and celebration to a packed auditorium.
A standout item in this year’s display was the exuberant performance by students from St Joseph’s College, Belfast. The performance was devised during 9 hours of after-school work, a very intense process only made possible by the extraordinary commitment and discipline of 14 students. This an exciting addition to the Rogue Encounters School Outreach timetable.
A special mention for the Rogue Encounters professional Creative Team comprising Jade Quinn, Billí Mills, Holly Hanaway, not forgetting the contribution of film maker, Michael McNulty, who delivered, yet again, wonderful screen images for the event.
Excellent support from the Lyric Theatre staff, with a special call out to Lighting Technician, Cory, who was a delight to work with, and Stage Manager, Amy, who marshalled the smooth running of event with admirable efficiency. Lyric Technical Manager, Patrick Glackin, was on hand throughout the 4 days to ensure that we were well looked after in the building.
As ever, the Lyric Theatre exemplifies genuine inclusivity, not only in terms of physical access, but with a welcome to every participant that makes the event an annual highlight for many young people and their families.
Suicide Awareness and Support Group (SASG)
Rogue Encounters Artistic Director and multi-disciplinary artist SoSo Ni Cheallaigh completed a 6-month pilot project that introduced SASG members to a sustained encounter with professional artists. A 10m minute documentary was produced to cover the celebratory and commemorative events undertaken by SASG between January and June 2026. The success of the pilot has been demonstrated by the SASG submission to The Public Health Agency for a follow-up script-devising process that will see a 6-strong group of SASG members create a character that encapsulates the essence of coping with suicide in the family.
Brain Injury Matters (BIM)
Under Rogue Encounters supervision, The Unusual Suspect Ensemble at BIM worked in collaboration with the IMPACT team at The University of Ulster to devise and deliver training videos for agencies and individuals interacting with acquired brain injury sufferers in the aftermath of trauma. The launch of the videos took place at The MAC on 5th September 2026 and will be available online later in the Autumn.
