"RADE's innovative programme of combatting substance abuse through art introduces addicts to their own genius, their own best selves, it focuses on the buzz that living a positive life can bring,a buzz that is genuine and life enhancing"
President Mary McAleese
Women’s Drum Circle
RADE invites you to our Women’s Drum Circle
Time: Mondays, 2.15pm-4.15pm
Dates: Continuing on February 12th, 19th and 26th and 4th March
Location: RADE, OLV Building Cathedral View Court, Dublin D08 PW8Y
This drum circle will be an opportunity to explore Rhythm in a fun and accessible way.
Learning how to listen to each other, count beats and play polyrhythms together.
Drums provided, so just turn up & Sinead will guide you through the process.
Open to all women accessing health services in the Dublin inner city area.
Numbers are limited so please contact
karen@rade.ie or 0858260817 to book your place!
About RADE
RADE (Recovery through Art, Drama, Education) is an addiction recovery program based in Dublin 8. See www.rade.ie for more info
On 26th October 2023, RADE hosted a public reading to share the creative writing of RADE participants with the community.
Participants chose and read extracts from the writing that they had created over the course of an eight week long Creative Writing Workshop led by published author, Karl Parkinson. A good number of friends of RADE showed up to enjoy an afternoon of moving and entertaining readings. We are thankful to everyone who shared their writings and appreciate the courage it takes to stand up and share their stories. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this event. We hope to see you and many more of our friends in the future.
Here is a selection of some of the work produced in the workshop
NOTHING EVER CHANGES A poem by Will B
A timeless refrain,
In the halls of power, they play the same game.
Politicians cascade, making promises of gold,
While their bank balances soar, the secrets untold.
But deep in the shadows, I find my abode,
Down on the breadline, where my dreams erode.
Homeless, yet hopeful, in this world’s grim haze,
Lonely, Institutionalized, navigating life’s maze.
Hostels like buses, they come and they go,
I hop on, hop off, with the ebb and flow.
The only change I see, with each passing day,
Is me, my outlook, and the games that I play.
Once I saw only darkness and despair,
A life of drudgery, too heavy to bear.
Not wanting to try, to face my own plight,
Numbing the pain with drugs night by night.
Decades went by, exhaustion’s slow spin,
Till the numbness consumed my soul from within.
But change crept upon me, as slow as the tide,
Taking those baby steps, I could no longer hide.
With each new sunrise, positivity seeps in,
Self-esteem’s building blocks, I let them begin.
Is it possible that I’m worth the fight?
Could there be hope, a future so bright?
For if there’s hope for me, a chance to renew,
Then surely, my country, there’s hope for you too.
In change, we find strength, together we’ll thrive,
My transformation, a testament that we will
survive.
The Prison Rave Story (super short) by Jack Hurley ©2023
…And so, what was possibly the weirdest rave I ever attended, took place.
Everyone one on the landing and many prisoners much further a field that night were havin’ it large; all together, dancing and screaming like banshees, and banging on the doors every time a really good tune came on, but in the solitary of our cells with only a small radio each as a sound system. But twenty prisoners in each landing on a wing with hundreds of prisoners, many of which were high as fuck, all playing the same station at the same time can still kick up quite a racket. The screws would have seen clearly what was happening, but there’s another rule; Once the door is locked, it stays locked, unless there’s an emergency. And half the wing off their tits on speed and hash, dancing like lunatics alone in their cells like they were there, until the early hours, just didn’t breach that threshold.
So we danced and sang and took what life was available from the ether and eventually around 5am the noise quietened, with any late screamers being loudly told what to do by everyone else who was coming down. 7.30am rolled around. I had not slept and was short most of my belongings, having used them as currency to cover the expense of the night before. I was yet again ushered through the reception into a transport. When we got to the courthouse I was placed into a cell with all the others, spitting and smoking and using and waiting. My name was called first. I stood before the judge. He was reading silently from a large folder. This went on for several long minutes in which time The Argument started to shout. I was losing control and my solicitor could see it. He motioned to a screw, who came over to me and whispered kindly, and urgently, “Keep it together, you’re nearly there…”
After a conversation between the public prosecutor, my solicitor and the judge, which they didn’t feel any need to make me part of, the judge simply announced “You can go. Report to probation services sometime within the next forty eight hours” and that was it. I was free.
A Lesson in the Park by William McKenna
He was finally back to his favourite bench in Merrion Square. His little flying friends were already gathering by his feet, cooing and adjusting for position.
Well, I’ve been in Liverpool for the past two weeks so you must be starving he thought. He took a bag of crushed digestive biscuit crumbs from his jacket pocket and began spreading them amongst the eager flock. Pigeons have no manners, unlike my robin friends, he said lightly to himself. Peering through the hazy sunshine he could hear voices getting louder in the quiet surroundings. It was two young boys approaching. I hope they don’t disturb the birds’ dinnertime he thought.
“Sorry auld lad, you wouldn’t have a light on ye?”, the slightly taller boy asked.
“No, sorry, I don’t smoke anymore”, the old man replied, “and neither should you two young men.”
“What would ye know auldie?”, the short boy chimed in.
“Well, I just returned from Liverpool after burying my best friend. The bestest friend I had in my whole life.”
“Sorry to hear that man”, they both said in unison.
“He was two years younger than myself, but he was a smoker to the bitter end.”
“Sounds like he was coolaboola”, the tall one sniggered, now putting the cigarette back in its box.
“If you think that taking over four years to die of lung cancer and being in intensive care for weeks on end is anything got to do with being cool, then go ahead, smoke yourself to death. I don’t care,” the old man said sternly.
The biscuit bag was almost empty now as the two boys stood still in silence. “That’s all we had in the end”, continued the old man, “silence.”
“Were youse not talking no more?”, the young one asked timidly.
“He couldn’t talk no more lads. He was a great singer back in the day, ye know. The girls used to go crazy for him, made me mad jealous.”
“Smoking is good for my voice, he would say.” The old man now visibly upset.
“Lads, the cancer had spread to his throat and after the operation he was a left with a hole right here, said the old man pointing to his neck. Didn’t stop the stubborn eejit from smoking through it though.”
“Jaysus wha?” Screamed the tall boy as his friend was already bent over gagging.
“Not a pretty site I can tell ya boys. Do yourselves a favour continued the old man, don’t smoke and you will have plenty of years to thank me later.”
“Yeah, grand, sound, no bother,” said the tall one. “So, see you around, so.”
“See ye around fellas and good luck”, the old man said while shaking their hands. He watched them both leave as they walked then along the gravel path.
“Right Stevo”, he could hear the tall one say. “Your Dad’s a bollix. So we’ll give him these and then get one of them vape yokes like what Sarah smokes.”
“Yeh, deadly whacker, she’ll be mad into you know.”
The old man gave out a wee chuckle as the boys voices faded out into the distance.
“You see”, he said looking down at the last remaining pigeon, “Bad habits are just as bad to kick as bad manners.”
Hands by Mark Gillan
Hands on, hands off, can I give you a hand, I need a hand, can you hand us a tenner please, give the person a big hand. They’re handy with their hands, but there is a time and a place for that. If you’re too handy in the wrong manner, your hands will be placed in cuffs. Handcuffs impede the very reason you have hands, like Malcom McClaren once said, ‘You need hands’, and I tend to agree for the most part.
It’s the people without hands that I most admire. For whatever reason having no hands, some people have overcome this condition with spectacular results; take Christy Brown for example. I’ve seen some of the most gifted foot or mouth artists create such beauty without any palms or ten digits. Me, I’m incredibly grateful for my pair of hands because by right, I should have only one. That’s why I am also grateful to the surgeon’s hands who saved mine.
So, take the time to reflect how lucky you are and how much you take for granted your hands and picture in everyday life the multitude of uses hands play. Holding, waving, shaking, slapping, pointing, rubbing. If I’m not getting my point across, think about the next time you’re wiping your arse.
To Those We Miss by Noreen Flood
We were a young family coming here from England. My mother had been told she had breast cancer, as my father had already taken two massive heart attacks.
We arrived with nothing but a few suitcases mom dad and seven children.
We were split up.
My older sisters stayed with my mother’s sisters and never moved into our new home in Finglas. New is a word I wouldn’t use.
We were a very young family losing both parents. My oldest sister was 21. Jean looked after us the best she could but she fell pregnant and her partner wanted her to move in with him.
We all moved into town from Finglas as my mom’s family was all we knew. My sister Jackie was second oldest she was the mother hen of us. Not only to us, to everyone. She was overweight and this was her only downfall. She would dress us for the holidays the only way she knew, shoplifting. Jackie would have loved Evan’s Shop. Opened a few years after her death.
Jackie had an eye for fashion. Even though she couldn’t wear nice little dresses. She would dress all of us up. She would show the slim girls the clothes to wear.
I always remember her being called Alison Moyet because she had a big soft heart and loved all and only tried her best for everyone. She never let her size stop her from going to discos. How she loved to dance, and Jackie could move. Jackie would always say we only have each other so don’t let each other down, she was my Hero.
We had our children the same day. And Jackie had her third and me my first. Jackie had her baby two hours later. She is down back in the delivery room with me. She done everything for me and my son. Even getting her partner to go to Pennrey’s to buy me underwear, etc.
Jackie was a earth angel taken by a drunk driver. She died talking about her three babies aged 3, 2 and 1. How cruel is life. She was so beautiful, yet she made everyone close to her look beautiful. She had a way even with make-up.
God, she didn’t know just how much she was loved because she never believed in any fairytales.
She even seen her death, always saying I won’t see Gemma her three-year-old make her first communion and she didn’t.
Not a day goes by Jackie that I don’t think of all that you did for us and anyone who needed a good friend. My sister Jackie was the best. Gone, but never forgotten.
RADE MY MIND was launched on 5th July 2023. This book of RADE participant’s creative work in 2022 had been kept under wraps for at least a month until its official launch at the OLV Building, Dublin 8.
From the book’s introduction:
“2022 was another busy and creative year for RADE participants and staff. Capturing the creativity of participants’ work in a book only shows half the story but we hope you will get a sense of the energy and productivity amongst these pages”
We were delighted to be joined by many guests for this special occasion which was a celebration of talent and creativity. Participants put together a performance of readings taken from the book for a captivated audience who joined us in applauding the creative work that goes on at RADE. The readings ranged from witty and playful to serious and thought provoking. It was a beautiful but brief interlude in the regular week at RADE and we were grateful to all those who gave up their lunch hour to be with us. A lucky break in the rain meant we could linger outside after the event and enjoy refreshments together.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the occasion both creatively and behind the scenes and to everyone who came to give their support.
RADE’S accordion book project is finished! It was a lot of fun mark making and experimenting with materials!
RADE notes the recent passing of film maker, David Stone.
David worked with RADE in 2019 when we were putting together ideas for what would become RADE’s most recent film, ‘The Tapper’s Opera’.
Unfortunately, David had to step away from our collaboration because of his health. All of us at RADE, including former director and founder Mick Egan, extend our condolences to David’s family and friends. We are glad that we got to work, albeit for a limited time, with such a fine person.
The Tapper’s Opera was completed in 2020 and is still available to view here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L__-9OwiEAA
Photos from the collage workshop ‘Inside Outside my Head’ with Dermot Byrne 2022
This nourishing practice will provide space for reconnection to ourselves, nature, as well as experiencing the support of a shared practice.
Suitable for all abilities, the practice will involve some conscious breathing, followed by gentle yoga postures and deep relaxation. Mats and props will be provided however feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will also be provided and we encourage those to stay around for some post session socialising if they have the time!
The session is FREE and will run this Wednesday between 10.30am-11.30am
September |
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14th |
Yoga is open to all levels however please take responsibility for your own practice, ensuring to seek a doctor’s advice where necessary.
Get more Information on our Eventbrite page.
“Everybody Get Stoned” showing as part of the Stop The Stigma Campaign
RADE will be screening our new film in the main cinema IFI in Temple Bar at 12.00pm on Wednesday 13th June. This screening is for Service Users and we welcome all the other projects to join us for another ‘cracker’ from the RADE team, probably their funniest offering yet. A great opportunity for the service users to meet up and a powerful demonstration of the social contribution, that can be made by people in recovery. Please contact RADE by email info@rade.ie or 014548733 and let us know how many people you wish to bring. Book early there are only 258 seats and they’re being snapped up fast.
This short film is an absurd comedy about the desperate state of Ireland’s housing crisis. From unscrupulous landlords to the ‘invisible homeless’ and politicians reverting to Victorian attitudes, there’s never been a worse time to be without a roof over your head.
‘Spare Change’ was developed from the true-life tales of the RADE participants and their first-hand accounts of the current housing crisis.
RADE will also screen their highly acclaimed hilarious film from 2017 “Irish Light V’s Tony”
RADE will be screening our new film the second time in the main cinema IFI in Temple Bar at 12.00pm on Wednesday 23rd May. This screening is for Service Users and we welcome all the other projects to join us for another ‘cracker’ from the RADE team, probably their funniest offering yet. A great opportunity for the service users to meet up and a powerful demonstration of the social contribution, that can be made by people in recovery. Please contact RADE by email info@rade.ie or 014548733 and let us know how many people you wish to bring. Book early there are only 258 seats and they’re being snapped up fast.
This short film is an absurd comedy about the desperate state of Ireland’s housing crisis. From unscrupulous landlords to the ‘invisible homeless’ and politicians reverting to Victorian attitudes, there’s never been a worse time to be without a roof over your head.
‘Spare Change’ was developed from the true-life tales of the RADE participants and their first-hand accounts of the current housing crisis.
RADE will also screen their highly acclaimed hilarious film from 2017 “Irish Light V’s Tony”
Spare change is another satirical take by RADE, this time on the housing crises in Dublin and it packs as strong a punch as ever!
Once again the cast is made up of the current RADE participants who deliver sterling performances all around.
Please join us for the Second Cinema screening of the Film.
Read more below
RSVP is essential. info@rade.ie
Comments from the Director Rodney Lee
‘Spare Change’ was developed from the true-life tales of the RADE participants and their first-hand accounts of the current housing crisis. The goal was to capture their experiences and shape them into an engaging narrative. Working on this film with the truly committed RADE staff and talented participants has been an exciting journey – not without its challenges – but ultimately hugely rewarding. Working with the participants to bring out their experiences and focus on the issues that really affected them, then developing a script which would encompass these issues was an inspiring and humbling experience. Improvised workshops based on the script brought humor and jokes funnier than anything I could ever write. And finally shooting the film and seeing the dedication and passion of everyone involved, many of them stepping well outside their comfort zone, proved to be one of the most creatively satisfying experiences I’ve ever been involved with. Rodney Lee, Director.
‘Spare Change’ is a comedy about people faced with the most impossible, desperate struggle known to modern man; navigating the rental market in Ireland today… Ed gets a shock when his landlord raises his rent without warning. Already stretched to the limit and only just making ends meet, things look grim until Ed decides to sublet his flat to the multitude of homeless people looking for somewhere to stay. As long as the landlord doesn’t find out, everything will be fine… but Ed doesn’t count on the crazy tenant who claims to have stolen the housing list, suspicious neighbours and an unexpected visit from the Minister for Housing… This short film is an absurd comedy about the desperate state of Ireland’s housing crisis. From unscrupulous landlords to the ‘invisible homeless’ and politicians reverting to Victorian attitudes, there’s never been a worse time to be without a roof over your head. What can be done?
RADE’s new film Spare Change will be launched in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. 8.00pm 1st May.
More details to follow! This will be a ticketed event.
This is a follow up film from RADE’s hilarious Irish Light V’s Tony the same writer and director Rodney Lee.
Spare change is another satirical take by RADE, this time on the housing crises in Dublin and it packs as strong a punch as ever from RADE.
Once again the cast is made up from the current RADE participants who deliver sterling performances all round.
Trevor Knight has again provided an exciting and original music score.
Date
There will also be a film screening of the 2017 Film “Irish Light vs Tony” at 7pm
To mark the first years Anniversary at the loss of our dear friend and long-time art trainer, Eoghan O’Neill, we are sending this shout out to all ex-RADERs and all the services that have known Eoghan. St. Patrick’s Cathedral will host an exhibition of wood carvings from the RADE students going back to 2005. The exhibition of wood sculpture will run in the Cathedral for two weeks from 20th March.
Ex-RADERs get in touch as soon as possible if you have a sculpture at home you would like re-exhibit
A great chance to see RADE’s hilarious hit film Irish Light V’s Tony on the big screen: The Five Lamps Festival!
Friday 9 March at 4.45pm
One man’s struggle through a bureaucratic nightmare as he fights for his right to natural light. Tony is being charged by a new semi-state body, ‘Irish Light’, for access to the sun. When he refuses to pay, workmen board up his windows. But Tony won’t take this lying down. He marches to the headquarters and navigates his way through a madhouse of delusional propaganda, rampant capitalism and sheer insanity to get an exemption.
RADE Production.
09/03 4.45pm (Duration 22 mins) 5€
Odeon Cinema Point Village (Point Village, North Dock, Dublin 1)
RADE participants will perform the play ‘Everybody Get Stoned’ written by Michael Egan, as part of the Stop The Stigma Campain on 27th February 2018 at 11.30am in Green Street Dublin 7.
The event will include testimony on experiences of drug-related stigma from the SAOL Project and from John Devoy of UISCE; an extract from the play Love in the Wild by Lisa Walsh, directed by Peter Sheridan and a performance by RADE (Recovery through Arts and Drama Education); Charlie Lloyd, University of York, will give an overview of the international research into the impact of stigma on people who use drugs and the implications for policy.
RADE started shooting a new film “Any Spare Change” this week, 29 January 2018.
Writer Rodney Lee is back, directing his new script about homelessness. Also working with the RADE participants in the development and production have been Adrienne Greenhalgh , Emma Wall, Nelli Conroy and Jodi Jones (1st Assist Director). Jodi will also be making a cameo appearance. RADE has been delighted to welcome back Gary Boyd and Tomas Donaghty on camera, lights and sound for the production. Filming has been going well and the final product is expected to be every bit as good as the very well received “Irish Life vs Tony.”
The new film is the result of ten weeks collaboration and improvisation with Rodney Lee and the RADE Participants. The workshops and script development was funded through the CREATE Artist In The Community Scheme. A huge thanks also goes to the Simon Community and St. Patrick’s Cathedral for their support with the film production.
The first screening will take place on May 1 in St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
We here in Rade are all very excited about the film “Irish Light vs Tony”. As soon as the date is confirmed we will update you.
Rade participants are currently enjoying rapping classes on a Wednesday. John Cummins, rapper is working with participants on the fine art of rapping. The end product will be a CD that will include the participants own creations.
Rapping (or rhyming, spitting, emceeing, MCing is a musical form of vocal delivery that incorporates “rhyme, rhythmic speech, and street vernacular”, which is performed or chanted in a variety of ways, usually over a backbeat or musical accompaniment.
Breaking News!
Rade in collaboration with writer Rodney Lee was awarded a grant from CREATE. The Artist in the Community Grant gives Rodney the opportunity to write another script and work with RADE participants to produce a film next year. This follows on the huge success of “Irish Light vs Tony” that was produced in 2017. Acting workshops are to begin in November 2017 and shooting will be in January. Very exciting times for RADE.
Quotes about “Irish Light vs Tony”
It is fabulously written. Clever, incisive, political, it is on the money. It reminded me of Monty Python with its wonderful attack on bureaucracy and capitalism. The concept of paying for the light is superb……. Brilliant………. And it works because it takes it seriously and never descends into silliness. The production is excellent and all aspects of film making are there, realised at the highest level.
Peter Sheridan
Irish Light vs. Tony; all the actors in it are from the programme. It’s a parody and comical satire on the government’s Irish Water fiasco, and on modern-day bureaucracy, that endless torture of form-filling and departments and managers, and overseers, and the wrong office, and the wrong building.
Karl Parkenson
KARL PARKINSON recently completed a series of creative writing workshops with participants here in RADE.
There was great feedback from the tutor and all participants. We hope to include some of the stories written by participants in the comic book to be launched next year.
Karl recently had an article published about his experience in RADE.
Please READ the article as we would like to share RADE’s stories.
RADE is currently working with Elida Maiques, a cartoon artist. The RADE participants are working on Mondays and Tuesdays (September/October) towards the production of a Comic Book. If things go as planned we hope to have the launch of the book in February 2018. Watch this space!
More about our wonderful tutor Elida HERE
Click here for an example of the work we are doing in the Cartoon Workshops
‘Irish Light Vs Tony’ written and directed by Rodney Lee
Date: Thursday 8th June 2017
Time: 1 – 2pm Location: IFI Cinema, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
‘Irish Light Vs. Tony’ is about one man’s struggle through a bureaucratic nightmare as he fights for his right to natural light. Tony is being charged by a new semi-state body, ‘Irish Light’, for access to the sun. When he refuses to pay, workmen board up his windows. But Tony won’t take this lying down. He marches to the headquarters and navigates his way through a madhouse of delusional propaganda, rampant capitalism and sheer insanity to get an exemption. This short film is an absurd satire about the government’s shameless attempt to squeeze more money out of a beleaguered people. Please note, any resemblance to actual semi-state bodies such as, for example, ‘Irish Water’ is absolutely 100% purely coincidental!
Introduction Note for film debut
‘Irish Light V’s Tony’ by Rodney Lee, The Irish Film Institute, Friday 12th May 2017.
Thank you all for coming today and joining us for the launch of our film. We are especially pleased to welcome the Minister Catherine Byrne here today. We are bursting with pride about our latest production. I also want to welcome Cllr. Dermot Lacey.
RADE owes such an enormous debt of gratitude to the many artists that have provided such good will towards our project over the years. Many of whom are here today and we also wish you a warm welcome. ‘Irish Light Vs. Tony’ is about one man’s struggle and any resemblance to actual semi-state bodies such as, ‘Irish Water’ is absolutely 100% purely coincidental!
Regardless of what anyone’s feelings are about water charges, I think the most powerful message that comes with this film is that it now exists. It has given a voiceless people a platform and an opportunity to contribute to the social community.
The first time I worked with drug users was almost 30 years ago, in the early 1990s, making theater with the clients of MQI. It was an amazing awakening: Engaging people with drama and performance worked as a temporary distraction and an attractive focus for people whose lives were compromised with issues of addiction.
RADE has developed out of that time. We do theater plays, but we also do art exhibitions, publish books, Comics, Music CD’s, Films, Dance, Radio, Opera, musicals, and it still works: The project provides a window of opportunity to escape the snares and traps of every day drug using. The proof is in the pudding. And we are going to taste some of the pudding today. The period in the 90’s that we grew out of was a different time. FAS was the boss. And we were a CE scheme, I think we were the very first of, what was called ‘Special CE Schemes”. Later the first drugs Minister, Eoin Ryan, who is also here today, Eoin ring fenced 1000 places for drug recovery projects. In those days there was scope and room for invention. Times change and they say you have to move with the changes. Well we try. We’re with a new department now, the Department of Social Protection. And I think we’re like round plugs in square holes. We’re water and oil. We don’t fit. The original idea had been to get CE to adapt and fit the needs of recovery services. Now the emphasis is all about how to get drug services to meet the needs of CE and fit into a mainstream framework of ‘work activation programmes’.
We are particularly grateful to our DSP Officers, Adedolapo Odukoya, Tony Hayden and Monica Alonso, helping us through our recent difficulties and our huge loss, due to the untimely death of our friend and colleague Eoghan O’Neill. I want to publicly thank them for their invaluable goodwill. However I understand that their hands are tied and that they are confined to working within the policies and structure of their department. It’s not their responsibility that drug services don’t fit the boxes.
This current scenario is causing a crushing and unnecessary strain and difficulty for everyone. And if there is one ask we have Minister, it is to ask you to use whatever influence you can at the cabinet table, to affect some change in this regard that is impacting on all of the frontline services.
Now, back to the film and what today is really about: The first time I heard the RADE group reading the screenplay for this film, the script crackled to life immediately and the participants made it their own. And as usual everything went wrong that could go wrong: seriously wrong, our strongest actor, Andrew Talbot died tragically a week before we were about to shoot. Two other of our participants, had learnt their lines, but they got seriously ill and were also out of the picture. But we kept going forward and with the cool heads of our writer/ director, crew and participants, we made it. The composer and member of Aosdana, Trever Knight came on board and put a classy music score together for us. Rodney Lee, our writer/director, practiced pure magic in the editing room and Sine Lynch attended to all the production detail. Sine gets my Oscar, for keeping the head and delivering this film, with all of the extra work that smothered our project, when we had so sadly and suddenly lost our key colleague Eoghan O’Neill. And Sine, eight months pregnant too.
I want to pay tribute to all of the RADE staff: To our Rehab coordinator Averyl Swords, and the keyworkers working with Averyl: Lucy Cullen and Monica Rampal. Also thanks to our visiting Councillors, Tom O’Connor, Hannah Kelleher and Pat Kennedy. The work of our rehab team is at the core of what RADE is about: to help people who are struggling to make progress in their lives.
We are very grateful to our voluntary Board of Directors, who have been so generous and giving of their time, care and attention to the project. I want to also single out Teresa Weafer for coming to our assistance and finding a pathway through our recent difficulties recruiting a replacement Supervisor.
We owe a considerable debt of gratitude to the City Council, our landlords in the OLV building, and we particularly recognise and thank Brendan Kenny, Assistant Chief Executive, for his support.
I want to welcome Chantelle Maritz, who is taking over for Sine, on maternity leave and our new support worker, John Gavin who joined us last week. Also I want to welcome our new programme Participants and let them know that next year we’re going to be doing it all again.
Finally I want to mention again the 2 people that passed away in the last two months. We are still reeling from the shock and loss. RADE participant Andrew Talbot, who had so much talent and promise and Eoghan O’Neill who designed the film set and guided Ray Doyle and Steven Cumerford through the building of the set. Eoghan had given so much over his 12 years with us to make RADE the colourful and exciting project that we are so proud of today.
Michael Egan (Programme Director of RADE)
Our dear friend and long time staff member Eoghan O’Neill, has died (suddenly) on Thursday last 16th March.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Eoghan’s family for their great loss. We will always remember Eoghan for his humanity, kindness and who gave in abundance to everyone that knew him. Details of funeral arrangements 3:00PM Thursday 23rd March in Mount Jerome Cemetery.
‘Irish Light Vs Tony’ written and directed by Rodney Lee
All participants took part in the production both infront and behind the camera. The film was shot over 5 days mainly in RADE’s own premises. Eoghan, Ray and Stephen crafted the sets while Mick, Síne and Derek worked behind the scenes preparing participants for their performances in drama workshops. Special thank you to Rodney, Tomas Donaghy, Gary Boyd, Derek Dunleavy, Jody Jones, Ray Doyle, Stephen Comerford and all the cast for making this a successful production.
Save the Date! Film Launch scheduled
Date: Friday 12th May
Time: 1pm
Location: IFI Cinema, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Minister of State for Communities and the National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne TD will be guest speaker
Further details to follow closer to event
following a productive 2016 we are ready to start some new projects
To begin writer and film editor Rodney Lee has developed a short film script with the working title No. Readings and rehearsals will commence 17th January with the film shoot scheduled for Spring. Mick Egan and Síne Lynch will continue running weekly workshops in drama and facilitate the direction and coordination of the film production. Derek Dunleavy will co-facilitate drama workshop. Eoghan O’Neill is back working with the groups artistically to develop a new collection of art work to be exhibited in the summer. Averyl Swords and her team will continue developing the rehab and training programme within RADE. Monika is back after a short break to facilitate weekly yoga and acupressure.
A collection of comic stories from 2017
Participants worked with comic creator Elida Maiques who facilitated workshops to produce the graphic novel Let Me Tell You. RADERS are determined to heal and make positive changes in their lives. Clink on the picture to see their work.
throughout December 2016 in the OLV Studio, D8
Invited audiences watched many new participants take to the stage to perform our acclaimed play A Hundred Years Ago. Participants sang, danced and acted for this production. The play explores the dramatic events that evolved through the autumn of 1913 when ordinary workers took a stand with Jim Larkin against the employers of Dublin city and the subsistence wages that held them in slavery.
RADE’s recent exhibition of Oak wood sculpture was also on display. The carving by participants are reflections of their thoughts on 1916 to 2016.
A graphic novel by RADE participants, facilitated by Paddy Lynch
The comic novel contains stories from RADE’s graphic novel workshops in 2016. The launch coincided with the revival of A Hundred Years Ago, RADE’s acclaimed play surrounding the events of the 1913 Lock Out in Dublin. Senator Lynn Ruane attended the performance and provided words of enjoyment and support afterwards.
was staged in the OLV Building in July 2016
Over 2 days participants presented ‘1916 Kids’ to a full house. Participants spent the majority of 2015 researching the 1916 Rising. The production involved performances from many newcomers. Tommy KD opened the show with a rap about the Rising.
Watch a short video from production above.
on Grafton Street in June 2016 as part of the Decriminalising Drugs Campaign
This was RADE’s first live street theatre performance. We were asked to partake in the awareness campaign by students from University College Dublin.
to brighten up your world!
We are currently rotating our various art exhibitons throughout many projects in Dublin. All you need is some exhibtion space and for a small fee we will supply, fit and rotate previous and current participants art creations. Currently we are offering this service in Coolmine Therapeutic Community, Ana Liffey Project, Merchants Quay Ireland and Rialto Community Drug Team in St. Andrews.
Contact Eoghan on 01 4548733 for further details.
in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
took place from Monday 3rd Oct to Wednesday 19th Oct 2016.
The exhibition was themed on the aspiration contained within the 1916 Proclamation of “Cherishing all of the children of the nation equally…”. The group discussed this aspiration and applied it to their lived experience. Following their discussion each member of the group designed a symbol of an important aspect to their lives. They then carved the symbols in oak.
The symbols covered areas such as Homelessness, Education, Poverty, Health Care and Justice.
in outreach educational counselling and
low-threshold learning opportunities for disadvantaged learners profiled RADE among other European projects in a recent study.
as part of the Drugs Awareness Conference
An exploration of a year of recovery, art, drama and education
The annual report highlights the work undertaken by both the rehab and training team, creative departments and particpants in RADE. RADERS were busy celebrating our nation’s centenary throughout the year and presented their work in many formats, from a graphic novel to canvas paintings to sculptures to stage productions throughout the year.
at the Irish Film Institute
RADE patron and President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins honoured us by officially launching the documentary RADE Rising and RADE’s comic book A RADE in Dublin on 19th April 2016. This is the Presidents third visit to the project. The event was attended by present and past participants as well as board members, the Lord Mayor of Dublin Criona Ni Dhalaigh, poet Paula Meehan, Dublin Simon CEO Sam McGuinness and participants from many Dublin projects.
A documentary of the art practices in RADE for 2015 exploring the Easter Rising through art, drama and creative writing.
After an exciting year exploring the Easter Rising we have produced a short documentary film of our work throughout the year. The documentary has footage from workshops, outings and interviews with staff and participants. RADE Rising provides a sneak peak of what we do day to day.
is a graphic novel of 1916
Working with comic creator and graphic designer Paddy Lynch the group engaged in a number of workshops developing their stories around The Rising and learning how to present these tales in graphic format. The end result is a colourful read.
Read the full publication here: A RADE in Dublin
in The Atrium, Dublin City Council Civic Offices, July 2015
Comhgairdeachas libh go léír a ghlac páírt san taispéantais seo inniu. Ba chóir go mbeadh sibh thar a bheith bródúil. Is cúis áthas agus bród dom a bheith anseo inniu libh agus go raibh míle maith agaibh as ucht an chuireadh a bheith libh.
I have had the great pleasure to view the fantastic exhibition here today and I commend and congratulate all of you who have participated in this fantastic exhibition. You all should be very proud of yourself and I am genuinely very proud and honoured to be invited here today to speak at the launch of your work. This whole area is steeped in republican history. Many ordinary men and women from Dublin 8 took part in the Rising and it is appropriate and fitting that you commemorate their heroic contribution to Irish freedom and their fight for equality, and we are still fighting for equality.
I have for many years been a supporter of RADE and believe in RADE’s approach to engage participants with the arts and therapeutic supports and provide a platform for their artistic expression. What is blatantly obvious for all to see when visiting a RADE exhibition or performance is the absolute pride, joy and sense of accomplishment that the participants express but also the pride their family and friends feel. There is no drug on earth that can give the feeling.
Sometimes it can be difficult to prove the value of Community Employment programmes such as RADE, to government funding bodies but it just takes a visit to any RADE production to fully appreciate the value of such schemes. RADE instils confidence, stability and structure into participants lives. RADE improves participant’s quality of life and addresses their sense of isolation and boredom through the use of cultural activities and make each participant believe that they have the capacity to contribute to society. Community based rehabilitation projects like RADE provide an essential service to both the participants and to the wider community.
RADE continue to produce some of the best art, poetry, theatre and film in this city. This not only contributes to the participants lives but also contributes to the culture of Dublin
The focus towards the showcasing of the art product each year not only gives a meaningful motivation to participants but also helps to change societal perception of drug-users which I believe is very important.
RADE has managed to not only stay afloat through the slashes and cuts of these austere times, but to continue their programme of quality productions demonstrating that ‘creativity is open to everyone’ and that engagement in arts activities, combined with therapeutic supports, does have a profound impact for making positive change in the lives of people affected by problem drug use. I would like to take this opportunity to call on the government and other agencies to recognize the contribution that special CE schemes make. It is vital to maintain the existing funding and to also increase the resources available to ensure all participants benefit fully from these schemes.
It takes courage to put your artistic work on show, it takes guts to get up on stage and perform and it takes everything you have to fight addiction and come through the other side. I wish you all the very best now and into the future and once again congratulations on such a great exhibition. Molaim sibh agus RADE. Ádh mór.
Kevin Bohan’s photo exhibition, in aid of RADE
In Dublin’s Fair City is the title of the Dublin urban graffiti and street artist Kevin Bohan’s exhibition. Kevin donated proceeds from the opening to RADE and Fountain Youth Project.
The event was launched in Film Base, Temple Bar, on 18th June and ran until Saturday 20th June.
was staged at Merchants Quay Ireland
In July RADE’s engaging production and cast entertained clients of Merchants Quay Ireland. The performance coincided with the loaning of artwork by previous participants to the MQI premises.
If you would like us to bring a show to you please contact Averyl on 01 4548733 to make arrangements.
finishes delivering a series of writing workshops
We were delighted to have professor Paula Meehan faciliate a number of creative writing workshops in 2015. Paula engaged the group in the literary works of Yeats and they explored some writing from the 1916 Rising. Paula’s workshops will blend nicely with our theme for 2015 which is the 1916 Rising.
For the fourth consecutive year
we were shortlisted for a Star Award for the Leinster region. Mick, Síne, Derek and Kevin attended the award ceremony on 23rd February in the Ballsbridge Hotel but were unsuccessful. ‘Positive 2 Work’ took home the prize for the Leinster region. We’d a wonderful day at the ceremony where we met and exchanged ideas with other nominees and winners.
Aontas Star Awards recognise organisation’s outstanding contribution to adult education. This year we were judged on our stained glass windows project and dance production ‘Source’.
Special performance of ‘Get Stoned’ was staged on Friday 13th February
Stuart was extremely generous with his time engaging in a a questions and answers discussion after the performance. It was excellent for participants to chat with Stuart about his influences and future aspirations for Love/Hate. It was particularly wonderful for those who stared in Series 5 to chat with Stuart about their scene and performances.
Stuart has agreed to facilitate masterclass writing classes with the group around the award winning TV series ‘Breaking Bad’ commencing in the summer of 2015
Health and Safety Training
Congratulations to all RADE participants who achieved merits and distinctions in their Health and Safety Fetac level 4 – Well done, a great achievement
to coincide with the 1916 centenary celebrations happening next year
RADE will embark on a historical and creative exploration of the 1916 Rising. We aim to produce a new theatre play later in 2015, an original art project and comic book showcasing the stories and events that affected the lives of those living in Dublin in 1916. This year we will work with Ireland Professor of Poetry, Paula Meehan, historian Kevin McKenna, RADE director Michael Egan, Síne Lynch and RADE artists Eoghan O’ Neill and Cathal O’ Grady.
A trip down memory lane of buckets
To celebrate our 10th Anniversary Cathy Coughlan researched RADE’s previous productions and publications before deciding on working from extracts from ‘Jack and Jill’ the play and using buckets as props in our 2014 dance – theatre production ‘Source’. This publication contains the original ‘Jack and Jill’ script and images from the 2014 production ‘Source’ staged during the Dublin Fringe Festival in the South Studios, Dublin 8
Here the full publication here: Buckets
Sold Out Success at the Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival
Source was a new piece of work created by dance artist Cathy Coughlan in collaboration with RADE participants. During 2014 participants delved into an arena of movement and working with Cathy created a dynamic interaction between dance-theatre and film. Two contrasting worlds were presented simultaneously, with performers bouncing from stage to screen, from reality to fantasy, struggling to escape the linear patterns and habits that shape their everyday lives.
Cathy Coughlan on the production: ‘The inspiration for this work came from the conversations and banter in between workshops. Stories emerged of other lives lived and of dreams yet to be accomplished. My interpretation of these conversations was that there was no starting point to addiction or recovery, but rather a constant dialogue between two worlds and two voices inside one person. This piece tells the story of that conversation and of the most fundamental source of recovery for anyone in any situation – hope.’
This production was selected for the Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival 2014 programme. Source sold out during the festival in South Studios, Dublin 8. The critics raved about the production with The Irish Times Theatre Review giving the performance ****Stars Irish Times Theatre Review and The Public Review gave ***** Stars The Public Review
Following this sold out run ‘Source’ was nominated for 2 Fringe awards, Best Ensemble and First Fortnight.
Due to popular demand extra performance dates took place in the OLV building after the Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival.
Click here to see the Promo video
Check out promotional video for ‘Source’ dance theatre production
Following the President’s recent appointment he visited our project. We performed Get Stoned
RADE entry into 2010 Better Together competition
Short stories, artwork and images from 2009
RTÉ writer Joe O’Donnell facilitated 2009’s publication, which focused on the theme of Dublin 8. Outings and visits were planned to local areas of interest, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christchurch. Many participants went back to their roots and spoke to family members about the history of Dublin 8, giving this collection an authenticity.
Read Todays D8
Bringing old Irish Myth to the Stage
Using Thomas Kinsella’s Tain Bó Cuailgne, wirter/director Mick Egan transformed this legendary tale from early Irish history to create a funny and engaging stage play. The production premiered in The Project Arts Centre and later played in numerous venues throughout Dublin including Axis Theatre Ballymun, Draiocht Blanchardstown, Pavilion Dun Laoghaire and Ballyfermot Community Centre to name a few.
RADEr’s designed and created the props, set and costumes for this production.
Guest of Honour in 2007
President McAleese was RADE’s 2007 guest of honour at our annual showcase in the Project Arts Centre. The group performed their Tai Chi demonstration and performed the play These People, written and directed by Pom Boyd (actress/writer). Pom worked closely with the group, facilitating drama workshops to devise this clever witty script. RADErs also exhibited their artwork on the evening and read stories from their creative writing publication ‘Somewhere to Flap Your Wings’
Mosaics on boards
Participants used RADE as their theme for these artistic boards focusing on tai chi, Dublin 8 area with it’s Vikings history and the projects creative activities. Eoghan O’ Neill worked with the group to create these pieces.