What About Us, The Live Stage And Music Experience

What About Us is an anti-war live stage & music experience inspired, developed, and performed by a new generation of creative talent, young international artists representing the What About Us voice for change.

Over 50 talented young composers, writers and singers are developing the creative. They come from over 20 countries that have been affected by war, conflict, and terror including Israel, Palestine, and Ireland, where the story is based.

The story addresses key societal issues this generation is facing such as increasing armed conflicts, people trafficking, leadership corruption, and refugees forced to leave their home because of war or persecution, wrapped up in a beautiful love story.

The Story

Peace Over War

Based on an original love story, a central theme of What About Us is the promotion of peace over war, as the musical journeys through Israel, Palestine & Ireland, parallel conflicts with their own unique histories & challenges.

We follow our heroes’ journeys through their personal trials and tribulations to an inspiring, provocative, and emotive final scene climax.

Creative

The live stage and music experience Is a beautiful fusion of Irish and Eastern storytelling, music and culture.

Supported by a professional team, this original & vibrant musical is a fusion of diverse cultures & influences. An orchestra, musicians, choir, singers, and dancers will perform it.

What About Us (logo 2)

Workshops And Schedule

2021 was a busy year with workshops in-person workshops replacing the virtual meetings that were a feature of the Covid pandemic

Multiple Workshops were held in Jerusalem & Palestine, and in Ireland the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS) hosted a month of in-house workshop with over 20 young & emerging talents working alongside the What About Us professional team who were supported by top West End professionals.      

2023 will see further development of the musical, with workshops being planned in multiple countries and locations.

Our Creative Team

“The musicians behind this musical are what inspire me. They are incredible people with such diverse backgrounds giving freely of their time and talents. All United in a common cause to bring people together through music and shine a light on some key issues facing us in the world.”

Des Cullen

CO-FOUNDER

Des Cullen has been playing and composing music for over 30 years. He initially studied bass guitar and played with many bands.

He went on to study piano with the royal Irish Academy of Music and recently started a Masters on Music for digital media. He currently works out of a home studio.

Shoshi Israeli 2

“What About Us is a project that leads by example. It brings together artists from opposing sides in conflict zones to show that it is possible to forget our differences. At the same time, it is a call to action for people to start caring more about each other and about the world. The world doesn’t belong to us, we only have it on loan during our lifetime, and as tenants we should care for it and pass it on to the next generation in good shape. That next generation is asking “What About Us?”

Shoshi Israeli

CO-FOUNDER

Shoshi is one of the creative driving forces behind What About Us.

Artist, dance teacher and choreographer Shoshi is the founder of COBENA FLAMENCO. Her countless achievements as a performer and educator have earned her recognition both nationally and internationally. Originally from Jerusalem she now lives in Madrid.

She has led several peace projects with groups of Israeli and Palestinian artists and feels strongly that people can work together in peace and harmony even when politicians do not or cannot.

“It’s a real joy to work with amazingly talented musicians from such different cultural backgrounds. Music has no religion. Music has no politics. Make music not war”

Aaron Wilkinson

CO-FOUNDER

Professional singer and songwriter Aaron Wilkinson who is leading the music creation project has brought in an Irish team playing both traditional and modern instruments, to collaborate with the Israeli and Palestinian musicians.

Aaron is an award-winning Irish singer songwriter based in Toronto. A highly skilled music producer, Aaron has recorded over 12 albums spanning rock, alternative folk, experimental electronica and traditional Irish music.

“What About Us is an epic protest musical that embraces East and West, crosses sensitive borders and brings the hope of peace through incredible music and dance. It’s a musical for our times.”

Siofra O’Donovan

CO-FOUNDER

Siofra is a much sought-after author whose recent book about Kevin Barry, Yours Til Hell Freezes: A Memoir of Kevin Barry, was recently published by Currach Books.

Siofra is also a writing coach, creative writing workshop facilitator and creative meditation facilitator for the Writers in Prisons and the Writers in Schools Panels by Poetry Ireland and the Arts Council of Ireland.  

Our Production Team

“It’s inspiring working with young musicians in conflict zones who are promoting peace over war, love over hate and are challenging the status quo”

Stephen Byrne

CO-FOUNDER, PRODUCER

Stephen has over three decades experience building international businesses.

He has managed large-scale international projects leading multi-disciplinary teams across varying business sectors.

Stephen has a long-term interest in the pursuit of peace, in the evolution of the Northern Ireland peace process and how it can provide a beacon of hope to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

 

“In a world which is becoming increasingly polarized, music and cultural collaborations, like What About Us, create vital shared dialogues and experiences across communities. It is so inspiring seeing young musicians and artists taking on this challenge and I am immensely proud to support them in this great challenge.”

Edward Evans

CO-FOUNDER

Edward is a corporate partner in Beauchamps Solicitors, one of Ireland’s leading full-service business law firms.

He specialises in corporate, commercial, entertainment and sports law, providing advice on a broad range of company law and commercial legal issues to a range of domestic and international clients in various industries.

He has, over 25 years in practice built up a particular expertise and interest in the sports and entertainment sectors, advising a range of sporting national governing bodies, stadia, professional teams, promoters and sponsors.

 

“Our work connects us with some very disadvantaged young people just wanting a better life for their family and community. What About Us is giving young people the opportunity to express themselves and make a positive contribution to their world”

Finola Harrington

CO-FOUNDER

Finola is a co-founder and driving force behind not-for-profit Ripplezoo. Coming from a nursing background she is both compassionate and passionate.

Finola manages all of the What About Us administration, the Schools Program, the Corporate Social Responsibility program and the Cameroon project which in the past two years has sent over €1m worth of medical equipment to local hospitals.

“What About Us questions all of humanity, both It’s good and bad sides. It is a genuine attempt to reconcile people and their differences to come together and be people united in and part of a movement that celebrates and combines those differences to create a global solidarity concerned with our delicate ability to survive on this planet as a species immersed in equilibrium as opposed to imbalance and discord”

Tom Creed

CO-FOUNDER

Tom is an Architect and designer. He has worked in private practice in Ireland, the UK and the USA.

He is an advocate of work within the design industry that can bring change and work to push environmental and social reform at many levels.

Tom has been involved in multiple overseas volunteer campaigns to both Haiti and Cameroon. He is also an Artist and is well connected within the entertainment industry.