This history of recent theatre in northern Ireland examines the major developments in mainstream, applied, and community theatre in relation to the politics of the post-conflict period. From the Good Friday Agreement to the post-Brexit period, it tracks the ways in which theatre has been used to promote political agendas and drive social change.

Dónall Mac Cathmhaoill is Lecturer in Creative Writing at the Open University. He has worked as a writer, director, designer, and producer in theatre for almost thirty years, including collaborations with many of the leading northern Irish companies. He was a director at the main independent producer, Tinderbox Theatre Company, and served on the boards of both Aisling Ghéar and Sole Purpose theatre companies. Previously he was a producer and Head of Education at Soho Theatre in London.