RADE (Recovery through Art, Drama and Education), working with recovering drug users, have created art projects involving creative writing, visual art, performance, theatre and film. Many participants are early school leavers and the projects give them an opportunity to re-engage with education. The programme is unique in its approach and has had a positive effect in reducing the level of drug-related harm affecting individuals and the wider community. Negative stereotypes of drug users are also challenged through the work produced.

The films were all written by Pom Boyd in collaboration with the RADE participants over the past three years and tell the peculiar stories of the lives of ordinary people.

Today

22mins
Patrick is sent by his eccentric doctor to find an arts project in Dublin’s inner city. Patrick arrives on the day the programme’s funders are visiting. The funders are not impressed.

Hard Day

17mins
Billy tries desperately to make some money busking. His girlfriend is running out of patience with him. When intimidating street criminal Lazer stops to watch him busking, Billy is reminded of an old injustice and decides for once to stand up for himself and put an old wrong to right.

Birthday

20mins
Bossy Margo is busy putting the finishing touches to Mammy’s birthday party. Her sister Eliza is in tears because she can’t get pregnant, while the other sister, Sadie, is heavily pregnant. As the guests arrive and the drinks flow tension rises as curiosity over the suspected father mounts. However, the sound of moans and groans unite the partygoers as they await the new arrival.

Writer/Director Pom Boyd
Producers Sine Lynch, Michael Egan
Editor, Sound Declan Lynch
Music Sean ‘Doctor’ Miller
Photography Trish McAdam (Birthday), Jason Figgis (Today, Hard Day)
Print Source info@rade.ie