Let us take you on a journey.
We’re not actually going anywhere. We are on a bus though. Wilma’s bus.
Wilma was one of the first publicly trans women in Belfast.
In the 1970s, she drove the Bangor to Belfast Ulsterbus, navigating bomb- scares and bigotry, amongst the other troubles of her life.
In 1980, she battled to access the healthcare she needed, fighting a medical system designed by and for cis men.
Now, in 2024, her spirit returns to Belfast, and she’s taking a few old friends and some unlikely allies on a long-awaited journey.
She’d like to revisit her old haunts, get back behind the wheel, and take a look through the rearview mirror to see just how much has changed.
The city is safer in some ways for sure, but listen closely.
You can still hear the thunderous voice of Rev. Doctor Paisley echoing down Royal Avenue. You can still feel the icy grip of the patriarchy in the November air….
Suspect Device is a thoughtful and disruptive exploration of the impacts of a patriarchal system, and the explosive potential of queer people and women to dismantle it.
Performances will take place in a secret location in Belfast at various times between 14 November – 01 December.
Booking and full details will be available here from late October.
Written by Raphaël Amahl Khouri
Directed by Paula McFetridge
Produced by Kabosh
Suspect Device is a Belfast 2024 commission by Kabosh, for the Are You on the Bus? project in partnership with Outburst Arts and Paperxclips
