Queen’s has brought together world-leading academics and professionals for an arts and conflict resolution showcase in New York City, highlighting the vital role both play in promoting peace. 

A one-day symposium reflected on the role played by artists throughout the peace process at the American Irish Historical Society. Speakers looked at those who use theatre, film, and testimony to address the complex legacies of conflict that exist in Northern Ireland today. 

Professor Anna Bryson from School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast was at the event and said:

“A big takeaway from this event is the overlaps, tensions and shared learnings from academics and professional working in different areas. Theatre can amplify law, justice and reconciliation. Innovative theatre techniques can help us reach people about social justice, accessing these difficult concepts in a more authentic way.” 

The playwright behind one of Northern Ireland’s most critically acclaimed plays, Agreement, Owen McCafferty also attended the showcase:

“I think the arts succeed in telling the story of a society because they make it accessible. Whereas the thing itself that may seem distant, art can make it understandable it can make it human." 

Queen’s later hosted a special performance of The Lyric Theatre production of Agreement at the Irish Arts Center preceded by an In Conversation with Queen’s alumnus and CNN correspondent Donie O’Sullivan. 

Leading the showcase, Queen’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Sir Ian Greer, said: 

“Queen’s has always been a key arena for political debate, providing a safe environment for political leaders to have difficult and challenging conversations post-conflict. There are many learnings to be had, not only from experts in peace and reconciliation but also from those in the arts whose creativity to tell powerful stories can have a lasting impact on communities. It’s important that as an academic institution, we look at these connected issues to better understand the complex legacies of conflict that continue to affect our communities and explore ways to share learnings on what is widely regarded as the world’s most successful peace process.” 

Dr Mark Phelan from Queen’s University Belfast added:

“Within Queens we have a core critical mass of experts in the fields of theatre, in film and law, politics. What has been fascinating is putting in some of those different disciplinary perspectives and positions into the same room and having a dialogue with wider civil society. I think Queen’s has a fantastic nexus of experts who can mobilise some of those conversations and discussions.” 

Dr Elizabeth Stack, Executive Director of American Irish Historical Society said:

“We're absolutely thrilled to welcome this wide range of both academics and artists here to the American Irish Historical Society. I think it's through this type of in depth presentation that we can get to some kernel of truth about experiences which were once so divisive.” 

  

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