“All war… it starts with stories, starts with lies.”

Fishamble: The New Play Company and Staatstheater Mainz in Germany, in association with Pavilion Theatre and Lime Tree Theatre | Belltable presented the World Premiere of REFUGE by Deirdre Kinahan in Mainz in June 2026. Up next, the Irish Premiere at Pavilion Theatre in Dún Laoghaire as part of Dublin Theatre Festival this Autumn, as well as very special performances in Limerick, the home of the play, at the Lime Tree Theatre | Belltable.

“Why are you here?”

1710, Rathkeale, County Limerick.

The Palatine community flees persecution in Germany and is offered land in Ireland that should never have been given. REFUGE traces their journey and explores the enduring connections between displaced communities of the past and those seeking safety today.

It is a thrilling new play that weaves past, present and future. Produced by Fishamble whose recent productions include FOR DOLORES, HEAVEN, and KING, and from Deirdre Kinahan the writer of OUTRAGE, THE SAVIOUR and THE HOMECOMING OF JOSEPH GRACE, and director Jim Culleton, whose productions for Fishamble have won Olivier, The Stage, Scotsman Fringe First, and Irish Times Best Director awards.

REFUGE was a huge hit recently in Germany and has a limited run in Ireland before returning to Germany as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency Culture Programme. With live music played by Steve Wickham (THE WATERBOYS), it tells the story of longing, love and loss, and the human need to find a place, a home…a refuge.

Please note: REFUGE is performed in English.

Image credit: Andreas J. Etter

The performances of REFUGE in Germany are supported by the Embassy of Ireland in Berlin and the Irish Consulate in Frankfurt. The performances in Ireland in October are presented as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency culture programme. Reading events supported by the Goethe-Institut. This production is kindly supported by the Ministry for Local Government, Construction, Housing and Culture of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate

#Cultúr2026

Upcoming
Performances

Dates: 17 - 21 October 2026
Venue: Staatstheater Mainz, Germany
Refuge Cover
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