Much anticipated Passion Project set for Ballyfermot this weekend

By Maurice Garvey

THE wait is almost over for the highly-anticipated Passion Project in Ballyfermot – the two-day event taking place on Saturday and Sunday, April 8/9.

A cast of hundreds will take to the streets of Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard for a dramatic interpretation of The Passion of Christ.

Devised by the award-winning Brokentalkers Theatre Company in conjunction with the local community, the unique production explores the positives and negatives of modern society through the lens of housing and homelessness.

The non-religious community arts event features depictions of real-life issues such as a forced family eviction – this particular depiction will take place on Ballyfermot Road.

The initiative is a partnership between Dublin’s Culture Connects, Dublin City Council and Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre.

Production involves close to 30 local community and arts groups, and schools.

The storyline was developed by Brokentalkers through workshops with local groups.

The project starts on Saturday at 2pm at the Aspect Hotel, Park West, before moving to Cherry Orchard Equine Centre for a horse show at 3pm.

A community parade from Equine Centre, along Blackditch Road, will lead to an eviction at approximately 3.30pm, before finishing up at Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre.

On Sunday, April 9, Ballyfermot Library stages a play based on homelessness at 2pm. Ballyfermot College of Further Education hosts a Best of D10 Concert with Mary Byrne, The Beermats, Nugget and more.

The gig starts at 5pm. Doors open 4.30pm, with tickets at €10.

At 6.45pm, the procession moves to the Church of the Assumption where a messenger goes on trial, and from there, to Markievicz Park at 7.15pm for the much-anticipated crucifixion and resurrection.