Revolution: a journey of resilience
Discover "Revolution," an artistic performance that forms a poignant part of the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival 2026. This unique presentation delves into the profound experiences of the Syrian people, brought to life through compelling storytelling and folklore. Join us for an event that transcends boundaries and speaks to the human spirit.
Echoes of real lives
The "Revolution" performance is built upon true events and personal experiences from the heart of the Syrian community. Through carefully crafted narratives and artistic expression, we bring these powerful stories to a wider audience. Each tale is a testament to the strength and resilience found amidst adversity, offering a deep insight into a culture's soul.
Revolution by Joud Al Sulaiman is based on true events experienced by the Syrian people. This is a Ground breaking new theatre production to be hosted in the EROC Centre, Abbeyfield Hotel in Ballaghaderreen.
Along with being an established theatre artist, Joud Al Sulaiman has also turned his hand to television and has a number of credits including a stint in the fifth season of Al Hayba (Netflix). Revolution stars Roulav Maamou, a Kurdish artist from Afrin, Syria and Ali Hadad who has featured in the Netflix production Al Hayba, portraying the role of Hassan.
A revolution of stories in every pixel
Step into the vibrant world of "Revolution," a captivating artistic performance that is a highlight of the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival 2026. This unique presentation skillfully weaves together the profound experiences of the Syrian people through compelling storytelling and rich folklore. Join us for an event that transcends cultural boundaries and deeply connects with the human spirit, bringing these powerful narratives to life through art.
A festival highlight
Revolution by Joud Al Sulaiman is based on true events experienced by the Syrian people during the rule of Hafez Al Assad and his son, Bashar al-Assad. It tells the story of Karim and Israa, a young married couple from Homs who are displaced to Damascus after their home is destroyed.
Karim and Israa live in constant fear: of the regime’s intelligence branch, the prospect of being flung into jail as political prisoners, and of the revolution and consequent civil war coming to their door. The play depicts how many Syrian people balance their public lives and home lives, forced to support the government outside the home whilst privately opposing the regime and living in deep fear of their political views being discovered.
The story is told in a satirical and comedic style. A dark farce, the play is both funny and tragic. The text is written by Joud Al Sulaiman, who also directs the show and features as Karim. Revolution was produced in Beirut in 2025, and this Irish premiere is its first international outing.
Revolution runs in the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival from August 4th – August 6th at 5pm daily, and audiences are invited to arrive at between 4:00 and 5:00 to enjoy some traditional Syrian desserts and coffee. The show is in the Abbeyfield ROC and is the first such public production to take place in the centre.
As a key component of the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival 2026, "Revolution" stands out as a performance designed to deeply resonate with our audience. It is an opportunity to engage with significant global narratives through the lens of art, fostering understanding and empathy. Be part of this extraordinary cultural exchange right here in Ballaghaderreen.
Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is an Arts Council-funded initiative led by the Roscommon County Council Arts Office. The vision of Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is that the arts and creativity are central to a vibrant, diverse and proud community. This programme promotes a wider, diverse effort to improve local opportunities to engage in the arts and culture, and to better understand the evolving, new community profile in Ballaghaderreen and the greater Roscommon area.
Creative Places Ballaghaderreen funds this production of Revolution by Joud Alsulaiman.