Galway playwright Joan Lally is leading a conversation centred on racism, migration, and mental health through a Radio Play, titled Stepping Up.
The first live public screening of Stepping Up, a radio play that explores Irish attitudes to racism, immigration, and life in Direct Provision. The radio adaptation, directed by French director Olivier Bonnardot, is based on Lally’s original stage play and is set in Galway City.
The story follows Aisling Kelly, the youngest daughter of a fictional Irish family, whose life takes a turn when she meets Kamali, a young man from Zimbabwe living in Ireland’s Direct Provision system. As their relationship deepens, Aisling is confronted with uncomfortable truths about injustice, empathy, and belonging.
Speaking on the Breakfast Show, Joan Lally said the play aims to encourage audiences to reflect on everyday attitudes towards migrants and the power of personal relationships to challenge prejudice.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on anti-racism in Ireland, examining how community, culture, and action can be used to tackle discrimination. The discussion will be hosted by Dr Deirdre Curran of the University of Galway and will include contributions from artists, academics, elected representatives, and activists with lived experience of racism and migration.
The free event takes place this evening at the ARD Family Resource Centre on Doughiska Road, directly opposite Lidl. The venue is accessible via the 409 bus, with parking available on site.
Registration is on Eventbrite. Listen to the full interview below, and remember to share
