PLEASE NOTE:
This event takes place in SETU Chapel, College Street Campus
Approx Run Time: 75 mins straight through, followed by a post show discussion

Once Off Productions and NB Theatre

In association with Theatre Royal present

In Plain Sight

by Noelle Brown

Directed by Veronica Coburn

With Camille O’Sullivan and Noelle Brown

Image Credit: Leo Byrne

In Plain Sight is an off-site performance taking place at SETU Chapel and supported by Theatre Royal.

October 27th – 28th, 2026 – 7pm

October 29th, 2026 – 1pm 

The show explores the legacy of the construction of Mother and Baby homes on the inhabitants, wider communities and the buildings themselves.

In a delicate and compassionate exploration, through story, song and architecture, performer/activist Noelle Brown and singer/architect Camille O’Sullivan question the links between inconvenient history and place through the church run and state approved Mother and Baby homes at Sean Ross Abbey, Castlepollard and Bessborough.  

During the performance, Noelle and Camille will discuss the design and history of these institutions and highlight the environments experienced by the women and children.

The narrative incorporates reflections on original architecture,  modern excerpts from government policy, and 100-year-old correspondence from the religious orders who ran these buildings for over 70 years.

Throughout these curated scenes, the show will weave original songs performed by Camille alongside re-enactments of Noelle’s campaigning for Justice.

All of these narrative elements combine to tell a powerful story about the history of religious led incarceration and the power of storytelling to heal deep wounds.

Directed by Veronica Coburn, with sound and original music by Denis Clohessy and lighting by Bill Woodland, In Plain Sight is a unique theatre event that is part town hall talks and part documentary theatre. It shines a light on community and nation, questioning who we are and how we can move forward while still grappling within the shadows of Church and State.

Supported by

The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon

Dublin Municipal Theatre, Smock Alley

Theatre Royal, Waterford

SETU Waterford

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge

An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny

Backstage Theatre, Longford

Everyman Theatre, Cork

The Source, Thurles

Pavilion Theatre, Dún Loaghaire

Axis Theatre, Ballymun

The Irish Theatre Institute