‘A Starless Night – Human Rights for Gaza’ event in Derry on International Human Rights Day
A group of theatre-makers, singers and writers are once again drawing attention to the horrific situation in Gaza with an event in Derry.
‘A Starless Night – Human Rights for Gaza’ will take place on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, International Human Rights Day, at 7pm, at Holywell on Bishop Street. All welcome, with donations collected for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Patricia Byrne, Artistic Director of Sole Purpose Productions, is joined by poet and dramatist Damian Gorman, writer Dave Duggan and a cast of actors and singers, who ask the question ‘why think about Gaza in the mouth of Christmas?’
They reply with theatre pieces, poems and songs about the situation for the people of Gaza now, acting to bring the light of human rights to the starless night of mass-killing and destruction.
Patricia Byrne said: “We are sad to have to do this again, but the recovery by the people of Gaza after the destruction and mass-killing of the past two years, and the occupation of the past 77 years, demands to be kept before us, in order to push against efforts to scale up the assaults again.
"Actors will read three theatre pieces. Damian Gorman will recite his powerful poem STOP. Dave Duggan will read an extract from an essay on a visit to a theatre festival in Acre. And there will be a re-working of an Ocean Colour Scene song, Profit in Peace, by Victoria Geelan.”
Mr. Gorman said: “We are delighted to have permission from the Pulitzer Prize winning Palestinian writer Mosad Abu Toha to include one of his poems.
"He has also sent us a personal message. The Palestinian people need our support at this time, as ‘the great nations of the world’ turn their backs on them in the aftermath of mass-killing.”
Mr. Duggan added: “Friends of ours in Israel and Palestine actively support the rebuilding of Gaza by Gazans, often risking their safety in doing so.
"We want to stand with the people of Gaza, as they harness their resilience and gather their strength yet again. Come stand with us and let them know they are in our thoughts, now, in the mouth of Christmas and into the new year.”
Donations, suggested at £8, can be made via Eventbrite and cash only on the door.