Limerick production to celebrate 10 years of Narrative 4

A DECADE of storytelling and creativity at Narrative 4 will be celebrated with an evening of words and music in the Belltable.

Narrative 4 - the award-winning youth organisation with headquarters on O’Connell Street in the city are marking their tenth anniversary in Ireland.

They will mark the anniversary with ‘The Power of Stories’ in the Belltable on Friday, November 13.

Over the past decade, Narrative 4 have empowered thousands of young people to connect across cultural divides and become active change-makers in society.

Directed by musician and theatre practitioner Ann Blake, the evening will bring together an inspiring line-up of artists, authors, and youth leaders.

Dr Jennifer McMahon, head of the department of psychology at the University of Limerick, will be the MC, guiding audiences through a programme of live music, literary contributions and first-hand reflections on a decade of impact.

Distinguished authors and long-time Narrative 4 champions Sarah Moore Fitzgerald and Kerry Neville will contribute creative pieces.

The celebration will also feature musical and literary contributions presented in collaboration with the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and UL’s MA in Creative Writing programme.

A highlight of the evening will be a live demonstration of Narrative 4’s signature story exchange methodology, led by young people from Limerick. The exchange will showcase how sharing personal stories can foster understanding, strengthen relationships and create lasting human connections.

Established at 58 O’Connell Street in 2016 in the old county library building, Narrative 4 has grown into a leader in creative community projects working with schools, youth groups, and international partners.

Narrative 4 recently secured €250,000 from Creative Ireland to continue their cross-border work with youth from Belfast and Limerick. To date, over 100,000 Irish students have participated in a Narrative 4 programme, and 1,400 teachers from 330 of Ireland's secondary schools have taken part in Narrative 4 story exchange facilitator training.

Colum McCann, author and co-founder of Narrative 4, said: “We chose Limerick as the home of our national headquarters because we felt Limerick had a story to tell. It has been amazing to see how warmly the community has embraced our work, with young people from schools across the city and county, from Abbeyfeale to Moyross, taking part. My favourite project is The Wisdom Exchange, which brings older and younger people together to learn from one another.”

Rachel Gleeson, executive director of Narrative 4 Ireland, said: “Over the past decade, we have seen how simple, brave acts of storytelling can transform young lives, break down barriers and foster empathy.”

‘The Power of Stories: Celebrating 10 years of Narrative 4’ is on Friday, November 13 at 8pm in the Belltable with tickets for €25 and there will be pre-show music in the foyer from 7.30pm. All are welcome.