http://kerrysmallbusiness.com/2009/08/the-last-call-project/
Anne Kiely of Kiely & Associates is working on a fantastically worthwhile project called The Last Call (http://www.thelastcallproject.com), along with many other talented and hardworking volunteers. The project is aimed at 15 to 18 year olds and focuses on prevention of teenage suicide.
The project began as a Theatre In Education play and workshop commissioned by Team Educational Theatre in Dublin. Because the play is set in Annascaul in Kerry, playwright Frances Kay’s commitment to bringing it to the young people of Kerry has resulted in the creation of this project. It combines community involvement, arts participation and the staging of the play in Siamsa Tire Theatre, Tralee in September 2009.
The programme comes with the strongest possible recommendations from Dr John Connolly (Irish Association of Suicidology) and Dr Tony Bates, President of Headstrong Ireland and a member of the Expert Group on Mental Health, Ireland.
Key priorities of the HSE Reach Out strategy – stigma reduction and mental health promotion – are basic elements of the Last Call programme. Sensitive use of drama and role play can be a “way in” to communication between students and their teachers and pastoral care team, and ideas for following up the issues in the play had a heartfelt welcome from teachers in all schools visited by the 2007 Team Theatre production.
The play’s main character, Michelle, is from a marginaliased community in Tralee. She will, in fact, be played by a young actress from Tralee, who is highly committed to the project.
The programme will open on Sunday 13th September with a performance and workshop for all interested ADULTS. Concerned parents, youth workers, teachers, counsellors, community group members and mental health workers are stronly encouraged to attend. Tickets are €15 and can be booked via the Siamsa Tire box office (066 7123055, www.siamsatire.com).
A gala performance will be held on Friday 18th September at 8 pm. Daytime performances will take place every weekday from 14th to 25th September, with the exception of 23rd September. Performances begin at 10.30 am for one hour, followed by a short break and then a workshop from 11.50 am to 1.00 pm. The final week will be evening performances from Monday 28th September to Friday 2nd October, starting at 7.30 pm (including a workshop). The final performance is on Saturday 3rd October at 8 pm (play only).