This innovative volume presents a new framework that captures the complex and contradictory politics of peacemaking in Northern Ireland. Engaging with key debates between nationalists and unionists, and consociationalists and civil society advocates of conflict resolution, this book uses a theatrical metaphor to illuminate the constraints and opportunities facing key political actors in their attempt to bridge the gap between nationalists and unionists to sign and then attempt to sustain the Good Friday Agreement. This new study also examines the range of political skills deployed by politicians involved in the Northern Ireland, South African and Middle East peace processes in their attempts to manipulate the public, front stage presentation of the peace process and maximize the support of diverse audiences for it. The Northern Ireland Peace Process will be of particular interest to students and researchers in the fields of politics, Irish studies, conflict studies and political communication.