A performance work created by Hugh W. Brown and devised in collaboration with an ensemble cast of young people from Carlow Regional Youth Services

The Children of Wolves was a youth-led performance that reimagined post-apocalyptic Ireland through the eyes of young people. Set in a world where technology had collapsed and fear had taken hold, the story followed a group of survivors struggling to hold onto trust, hope and each other—while the threat of wolves, or something darker, loomed just beyond the treeline.

The project was developed and directed by artist Hugh W. Brown in close collaboration with young people from Carlow Regional Youth Services in Bagenalstown and the Tullow Road Area, who co-created and performed the piece. Through months of workshops and creative development, the young people shaped the world, themes and characters at the heart of the story.

Performances took place in June 2025 in two locations: Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc in the Tullow Road Area of Carlow Town and and St. Andrews Church in Bagenalstown.

The project was commissioned by Creative Places Bagenalstown and co-produced with Take A Part Carlow, two socially engaged arts initiatives led by Carlow County Council’s Arts Office. Both initiatives are dedicated to nurturing creativity, amplifying community voices and increasing access to meaningful cultural experiences across County Carlow.

The Children of Wolves was delivered in partnership with Carlow Regional Youth Services and presented in association with Cruinniú na nÓg and Bagenalstown in Bloom Festival. The project was funded by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon under the Creative Places initiative and supported by Creative Ireland.

This project stood as a testament to the power of inclusive, community-driven art. It celebrated young people as storytellers and visionaries, and reminded us all of the strength found in shared creativity.

Thank you to everyone who made the wolves howl!