Celebration of recovery
THE transformative effect of the arts on people who are recovering from addiction took centre stage at a sold-out and emotive show in the Civic Theatre on Monday evening.
A cast of 25 clients from the Tallaght Rehabilitation Project (TRP) gave all manner of performances, from drama to music to comedy, for their warmly received ‘A Celebration of Recovery’ show.
The aim of the show was to challenge the stigma around addiction, and to aid the participants in their recovery from addiction.
The night was a sell-out, and the Civic’s main auditorium was filled with the friends and families of the performers, and staff from drug projects around Tallaght.
‘A Celebration of Recovery’ was compered by influencer Alan McGarry and Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force coordinator Grace Hill.
Ms Hill told The Echo: “It was great, it was hugely uplifting. There are a lot of negative stories when you’re dealing with addiction, but this was so positive.
“It shows that recovery is possible, and that the potential to change is there.”
While the cast naturally had some pre-show nerves before they took to the stage, they were exhilarated when they finished their performance, and felt a strong sense of pride.
Peter, Tracey, Sarah, Clare, Michelle and Tanya who attended the show on Monday
Pat Daly, manager of the TRP, told The Echo: “There was a lot of excitement and adrenaline.
“All of the clients involved did it without a drop of anything, without any chemicals, and went on stage in front of 338 people.
“It’s been really good for their self-esteem and recovery process. Their families came along and saw them in a different light, and it bridged some conflicts they may have had previously.”
Attendees were treated to poetry, music, comedy and drama performances, including an affecting play about cannabis addiction and a father-son relationship.
For Ms Hill, the highlight of the performance was at the close of the show, when the assembled cast took a bow to cheers and applause from the enthusiastic audience.
“Everyone was so proud of them and the work they did,” she said. “There was a real feel-good factor and the value of that can’t be overestimated.
“I hope it will drive people further into their recovery and show them as an example to others that recovery is possible.”
Michelle and Tracey who were at the show
This sentiment was echoed by Mr Daly, who added that the play also shows the strides being made by people recovering from addiction in Tallaght.
“With the negative coverage of Tallaght, with things like the crack-cocaine epidemic, we thought it’d be nice to show people that there is hope in Tallaght and there is a way out of addiction,” he said.
After the success of this year’s ‘A Celebration of Recovery’, which sold out three weeks before the show, Mr Daly said the TRP is looking forward to holding it again next year – and perhaps teaming up with other drug projects in Dublin for it.
For a list of addiction services in Tallaght, visit the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force website.
