Animating Heritage
Work inspired by built heritage to coincide with commemorations of key moments within our histories. The production style is informed by both location and subject matter. The aim is to humanise local landmarks and their residents as well as offering communities a new way to engage with the past. These projects often have a participatory element. Due to the reputable nature of this work Kabosh sits on the Community Relations Council Decade of Centenaries Committee. Project examples include:
Staged in St George’s Church to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Belfast, this oratorio by Carlo Gebler and Neil Martin featured five female characters from different eras paying their homage to Belfast supported by a community choir.
As part of 100th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of the Somme Kabosh staged a promenade project in the NMNI Cultra site by Philip Orr exploring the human cost of war.
Exploring the life of woodgraver and water colourist Mabel Annesley (1881-1959), written by Maria Connolly and taking the audience through the gardens and into Castlewellan Castle, this drama told the story of an incredible period in Irish history.
As part of creative centenaries, this play by Carlo Gebler told the story of WW1 nurse Olive Swanzy inspired by her personal collection of watercolours, poetry and autographs found in a shoebox in an attic in Rostrevor.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising five short plays were commissioned for staging on historic sites within the Short Strand to look at the legacy of 1916 for this inner Belfast community. An audience of 500 journeyed between the plays led by a 40 strong community chorus. The individual plays have since been staged for other events.