As part of this year’s International Literature Festival Dublin, a roster of artists and writers will come together at the National Concert Hall for Breaking the Silence, an evening of words and song reflecting on the legacy of Ireland’s mother and baby home institutions.

The event is curated by acclaimed author Caelainn Hogan who’s book Republic of Shame saw him meet with survivors and visit the sites of the former institutions.

A number of writers will speak on the night including Elaine Feeney, the poet, novelist and playwright who is also the Creative Director of the Tuam Oral History Project. The event will also feature actor, writer and adoption rights activist Noelle Brown who co-wrote and performed in the play Postscript and the singer, writer and poet Jess Kav, who will speak on the generational impact of the institutions.

There will also be a musical element to the event with performances from Loah, Terri Harrison and The Mary Wallopers.

The concert will take place on Saturday, 29 May 2021. View free stream on Crowdcast.io/ilfdublin or the National Concert Hall’s Youtube/Facebook.

The concert will be available for 7 days following the performance.