Suspect Device

Written by Raphaël Amahl Khouri

Directed by Paula McFetridge

Produced by Kabosh in partnership with Outburst Arts and Paperxclips, as part of ‘Are You On The Bus?’ 

Commissioned by Belfast 2024 and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Location: Belfast Castle

Let us take you on a journey.

We’re not actually going anywhere.

We are on a bus though. Wilma’s bus.

Wilma was one of the first publicly trans women in Belfast.

In the 1970s, she drove the Bangor to Belfast Ulsterbus, navigating bomb-scares and bigotry, amongst the other troubles of her life.

In 1980, she battled to access the healthcare she needed, fighting a medical system designed by and for cis men.

Now, she’s the eternal bus driver – the ferrywoman of the queer underworld – taking the souls of some old friends and unlikely allies on one final journey across the river Lagan…

Join us on board as Wilma guides us through the divine muddy waters of identity and self acceptance. In doing so, she might just help our spectral passengers unpack their emotional baggage one last time.

Suspect Device is a thoughtful and disruptive exploration of the impacts of a patriarchal system, and the explosive potential of queer people and women to dismantle it.

Performances:

19th November – 1st December

Tuesday 19th November – Preview	7.30pm
Wednesday 20th November – Preview	7.30pm
Thursday 21st November – Opening Night	7.30pm
Friday 22nd November – Relaxed Performance*	7.30pm
Saturday 23rd November	7.30pm
Sunday 24th November	3pm & 7.30pm
Tuesday 26th November	7.30pm
Wedneday 27th November	7.30pm
Thursday 28th November	7.30pm
Friday 29th November	7.30pm
Saturday 30th November	3pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 1st December – 7.30pm – BSL Performance	3pm & 7.30pm

Extra Information

• This event takes place on a stationary vintage Ulsterbus 

• This is a fully seated event

• The Bus is not wheelchair accessible and has three deep steps (12 inches each) to entry, please consider if this is suitable for you

• BSL signing will be available on Sunday 01 December at 19:30

• Age Guidance 14+

• Evening show begins promptly at 7.30pm, Please arrive at least 15 minutes before

• Matinee show begins promptly at 3pm, Please arrive at least 15 minutes before

• Latecomers will not be admitted

• Toilets will be available on site (before & after the performance). There is an accessible toilet.

• If you require a personal assistant ticket, please book via Outburst

• For the comfort and safety of all, especially those with health vulnerabilities, please do not attend the event if you’re unwell or displaying any of the symptoms of contagious illness.

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Location

• Belfast Castle, Antrim Road Belfast, BT15 5GR
• Suspect Device will take place outside the main Belfast Castle building.
• Please use the Innisfayle Park entrance to the Castle Grounds and make your way to the main building to meet our team. 
• Limited parking is available in Car Park 3, directly by the event. More parking is available a short walk away in the Cave Hill Trail Car Park. 
• To travel by bus take Metro no.1 A-H (Monday to Saturday) or no.1 C-E or H (Sundays).

Cast

Creative Team

Associate Project Director – Colm G Doran

Production Manager – Simon Bird

Costume Designer – Enda Kenny

Video Designer – Eoin Robinson

Sound Designer – Herb Magee

Lighting Designer – Mary Tumelty

Dialect Coach – Brendan Gunn

Costume Assistant – Sarah Carey

Hair and Make-up Artist – Connie McGrath

Wilma’s Wig Stylist – Paul Meekin

Casting Support – Natalie Murphy

Public Relations – Gary Kelly

Graphic Design – Ezra Pinkerton

Publicity Photography – Johnny Frazer

BSL Interpreter – Kristina Laverty

Front of House Manager – Aoife Maguire

Producer – Andrew Hume

Assistant Producer – Lizzie Howard