The Pitch

Sports-mad, local boy Robbie has spent his entire life in Sydenham, practicing football every day on his favourite pitch alongside his younger sister, Melissa.

Across the city, Deren, a lifelong East Belfast resident and passionate GAA player, has never had a pitch to truly call his own.Everything changes when plans are announced to transform Robbie’s beloved pitch into a Gaelic football ground.

For Robbie, it feels like an invasion of identity.

For Deren, it’s a long-awaited opportunity.

For Melissa, it’s a chance to discover a sport she’s never given much thought to.As a United Ireland referendum looms, the trio find themselves repeatedly crossing paths on this contested, ever-changing ground, clashing over everything from Tayto loyalties and Irish street signs to the age-old question: is it football or soccer? Can Deren open Robbie’s mind to something new and what might that mean for a changing Northern Ireland? Or is it all too much, too soon for someone so deeply rooted in home?Presented in partnership with the Pleasance Theatre Trust as part of the Edinburgh National PartnershipAfter the 3pm performance ofThe Pitch and in conjunction with ARINS, we will have a panel discussion and Q&A that will last about an hour, followed by a drinks reception.

The panel consists of Social/Political Commentator Claire JC, East Belfast GAA’s Irial Ó Ceallaigh, Writer and Producer Philip Catherwood and Dr Susie Deedigan, ARINS Programme Manager.Https://www.Ria.Ie/research-programmes/arins/After the 3pm performance of The Pitch and in collaboration with Belfast Playwrights, we will host a post show discussion and Q+A, lasting about 45mins with Philip Catherwood and Heather (Belfast Playwrights).