In Plain Sight
by Noelle Brown

In Plain Sight is a powerful new theatre performance about the history of religious-led incarceration and the power of storytelling to heal deep wounds.

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

The narrative incorporates reflections on original architecture, excerpts from government policy and correspondence from the archives of 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.

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.

It premiered 8th July 2025 at Sacred Heart of Mary Convent, Roscrea.

Funded by the Arts Council | An Chomhairle Ealaíon. Supported by The Source Arts Centre - Thurles, Riverbank Arts Centre - Newbridge, Pavilion Theatre - Dún Laoghaire, Axis Theatre - Ballymun and The Irish Theatre Institute.

★★★★

“A sharp and graceful new way to tell a difficult story and start vital conversations.

This, ultimately, is the achievement of In Plain Sight: not just finding new ways to present information or tell a difficult story, but making space for conversations that still haven’t happened.”

- The Irish Times [read full review here]

Written by
Noelle Brown

Directed by
Veronica Coburn

Presented by
Once Off Productions and NB Theatre

AVAILABLE TO TOUR 2026/27

For touring details contact producer Maura O’Keeffe

PERFORMANCE DATES
8 - 12 July 2025 at The Sacred Heart of Mary Convent in Roscrea

Performed by
Noelle Brown & Camille O’Sullivan

Sound Design by
Denis Clohessy

Lighting Design by
Bill Woodland

Produced by
Lucy Ryan