)
Suspect Device
- Date: Tuesday 19 November - Sunday 1 December
Belfast Castle
Where: Belfast Castle
When: Tuesday 19 November - Sunday 1 December
Tickets: £20 / £25 (Concession) / £5 (Access) - Booking via Outburst Arts website (Link opens in new window)
Written by Raphaël Amahl Khouri
Directed by Paula McFetridge
Produced by Kabosh in partnership with Outburst Arts and Paperxclips, as part of ‘Are You On The Bus?’
Commissioned by Belfast 2024 and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Let us take you on a journey.
We’re not actually going anywhere. We are on a bus though. Wilma’s bus.
Wilma was one of the first publicly trans women in Belfast.
In the 1970s, she drove the Bangor to Belfast Ulsterbus, navigating bomb- scares and bigotry, amongst the other troubles of her life.
In 1980, she battled to access the healthcare she needed, fighting a medical system designed by and for cis men.
Now, in 2024, her spirit returns to Belfast, and she’s taking a few old friends and some unlikely allies on a long-awaited journey.
She’d like to revisit her old haunts, get back behind the wheel, and take a look through the rearview mirror to see just how much has changed.
The city is safer in some ways for sure, but listen closely.
You can still hear the thunderous voice of Rev. Doctor Paisley echoing down Royal Avenue. You can still feel the icy grip of the patriarchy in the November air….
Suspect Device is a thoughtful and disruptive exploration of the impacts of a patriarchal system, and the explosive potential of queer people and women to dismantle it.
Performances will take place at Belfast Castle between 19 November – 01 December.
Tuesday 19th November – Preview 7.30pm
Wednesday 20th November – Preview 7.30pm
Thursday 21st November – Opening Night 7.30pm
Friday 22nd November – Relaxed Performance 7.30pm
Saturday 23rd November - 7.30pm
Sunday 24th November - 3pm & 7.30pm
Tuesday 26th November - 7.30pm
Wedneday 27th November - 7.30pm
Thursday 28th November - 7.30pm
Friday 29th November - 3pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 1st December – 7.30pm – BSL Performance 3pm & 7.30pm
BSL Signed Performance: Sunday 01 December
Relaxed Performance: Friday 22nd November*
* This is a modified event, taking place in the MAC, 10 Exchange St West, instead of a vintage Ulsterbus. It is aimed at those who may be prevented from accessing the bus, for any physical or sensory reasons. The performance will remain the same but some lighting effects will be reduced. It does not take place in a theatre environment.
Book tickets to relaxed performance - (Link opens in new window)
Extra Information
- This event takes place on a stationary vintage Ulsterbus
- This is a fully seated event
- The Bus is not wheelchair accessible and has three deep steps (12 inches each) to entry, please consider if this is suitable for you
- BSL signing will be available on Sunday 01 December at 19:30
- Age Guidance 14+
- Evening show begins promptly at 7.30pm, Please arrive at least 15 minutes before
- Matinee show begins promptly at 3pm, Please arrive at least 15 minutes before
- Latecomers will not be admitted
- Toilets will be available on site (before & after the performance). There is an accessible toilet.
- If you require a personal assistant ticket, please book via Outburst
- For the comfort and safety of all, especially those with health vulnerabilities, please do not attend the event if you’re unwell or displaying any of the symptoms of contagious illness.
Location
- Belfast Castle, Antrim Road Belfast, BT15 5GR
- Suspect Device will take place outside the main Belfast Castle building.
- Please use the Innisfayle Park entrance to the Castle Grounds and make your way to the main building to meet our team.
- Limited parking is available in Car Park 3, directly by the event. More parking is available a short walk away in the Cave Hill Trail Car Park.
- To travel by bus take Metro no.1 A-H (Monday to Saturday) or no.1 C-E or H (Sundays).
Cast
Wilma – Mariah Louca
Pamela – Claire Lamont
Janice – Beca Barton
Reverend – Vincent Higgins
Creative Team
Associate Project Director – Colm G Doran
Production Manager – Simon Bird
Costume Designer – Enda Kenny
Video Designer – Eoin Robinson
Sound Designer – Herb Magee
Lighting Designer – Mary Tumelty
Dialect Coach – Brendan Gunn
Costume Assistant – Sarah Carey
Hair and Make-up Artist – Connie McGrath
Wilma’s Wig Stylist – Paul Meekan
Casting Support – Natalie Murphy
Public Relations – Gary Kelly
Production Photography – Casey McAllister
Graphic Design – Ezra Pinkerton
Podcast Curator – Lauren Dempsey
Publicity Photography – Johnny Frazer
BSL Interpreter – Kristina Laverty
Front of House Manager – Aoife Maguire
Producer – Andrew Hume
Assistant Producer – Lizzie Howard
Suspect Device is a Belfast 2024 commission by Kabosh, for the Are You on the Bus? project in partnership with Outburst Arts and Paperxclips
This project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players and is part of Our Future Heritage portfolio of projects which help us all enjoy and understand Belfast's heritage.
For more information, visit the Outburst Arts website - (Link opens in new window)
