A free community event exploring anti-racism in Galway will take place on Tuesday 27 January, featuring the first public screening of the Stepping Up Radio Play, followed by a panel discussion at Ard Resource Centre, Doughiska.
Stepping Up is a powerful radio drama examining Irish attitudes to racism, immigration, and mental health. Directed by French director Olivier Bonnardot, the adaptation is based on the original stage play by Galway playwright Joan Lally and draws on her experiences as a therapist and anti-racism activist. The story reflects the social and political climate surrounding the 2019 immigration protests in Co Galway and will be presented to a live audience for the first time.
Set in Galway City, the play follows Aisling Kelly, a young woman at a turning point in her life, whose growing relationship with Kamali, a man living in Ireland’s Direct Provision system, challenges her understanding of injustice, empathy, and belonging.
The cast includes actors Fiona Claffey-Kelly, Johanne Webb, Vusi Thabethe, Michelle Costello, Robert Holden, and Sinead Hackett, with original music composed and performed by Ruth Fitzgerald and Mia Fitzgerald.
Following the screening, a panel discussion on anti-racism in Ireland will examine the role of community, culture, and action in addressing discrimination. The discussion will be hosted by Dr Deirdre Curran, University of Galway. The panel members are activists, scholars, and elected representatives including Cllr Helen Uchechukwu Ogbu, Lucky Khambule (MASI ), Esther Osayimwen (Galway City Partnership ) and Sai Gujulla (Love Galway Hate Racism ).
The event is free to attend, with booking required via Eventbrite.
