“There’s queers in every county, homosexuals in the every hamlet, gays in every gable.
And tonight you’ll be talking to some of them.”

As the 70’s rage on, the telephone rings… 

Callings follows five queer people who found sanctuary and community on the other end of the phone by seeking solace in Cara-Friend – a befriending service set up in the 1970’s to support the many hidden LGBTQ+ individuals across the north of Ireland.

Charged with the music of the day, and set amidst a storm of anti-gay headlines, Callings delves deep into the struggle for survival our queer communities faced on a daily basis.

Callings poignantly and powerfully expresses how even simple acts of connection can change the course of a life, and how during oppressive times, a gang of bright and brilliant queer people crafted community to save themselves and each other.

In an era when the government attempted to quash their right to exist, these moments of connection were an act of resistance and rebellion.

From rallying against the Save Ulster from Sodomy campaign to revelling in the right to exist won through the Dudgeon vs UK trial, Callings looks back at the historical challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities, and celebrates just how far we’ve come.

“Someone out there has been plucking up the courage for god knows how long, tonight they’ll pick up the phone and you’ll be there for them….’

Kabosh

Kabosh is a Belfast theatre company committed to challenging the idea of what theatre is, where it takes place and who it is for. The work is inspired by the sites, spaces and people of the north of Ireland.  Paula McFetridge has been Artistic Director of Kabosh since 2006. For further information on Kabosh and its work, visit www.kabosh.net

Cara-Friend
Cara-Friend was established in 1974 to support and empower the LGBT community in Northern Ireland. They provide a range of services including befriending, counselling, education and training, health advice, and youth support services. For more information visit www.cara-friend.org.uk

Cast and Production
Written by Dominic Montague
Directed by Paula McFetridge