Burgess wants to enlighten with new UDR drama

Playwright Jonathan Burgess has spoken about his latest drama, ‘Inconspicuous Gallantry,’ which focuses on the heart-breaking impact of the Troubles on former members and families of Tyrone based Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) personnel.
By Staff Reporter
Published 5th Nov 2014, 20:31 BST
Marie Dunne and Orla Mullan in rehearsals for "Inconspicuous Gallantry"Marie Dunne and Orla Mullan in rehearsals for "Inconspicuous Gallantry"
Marie Dunne and Orla Mullan in rehearsals for "Inconspicuous Gallantry"

The work will be performed in Bridgetown Orange Hall in Castlederg at 8pm tomorrow (November 6), at Newtownstewart 2000 at 8pm on November 7, in the Alley Theatre, Strabane at 8pm on November 10 and in the Sollus Centre on November 11, also at 8pm.

Says Burgess: “Some people now have me almost pigeonholed as a ‘Protestant playwright for a Protestant people.’

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“My intention however is wider than that. My intention is to tell through drama very human stories that work theatrically but which also may contribute to all of us understanding ‘the other’ better. Theatre can both entertain and enlighten.

“‘Inconspicuous Gallantry,’ a short production, not a full-blown play, has five separate scenes which presents dramatically some of the experiences of Tyrone based UDR men and women and their families during those horrific days of the Troubles.

“The script has grown out of quiet conversations with men and women who served during those dark and deadly days. I have chosen the title ‘Inconspicuous Gallantry’ to call attention to the suffering hat went on behind closed doors, far from the spotlight. No medals were bestowed to reward such pain, loss, bereavement, trauma.”

‘Inconspicuous Gallantry’ will be concluded with a discussion facilitated by staff of the Londonderry based peace-building organisation, Towards Understanding and Healing.

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Training Director of Towards Understanding and Healing, Eamonn Baker said: “It is crucial for peace-building to get all voices from all sides of the conflict into the public forum. Towards Understanding and Healing is committed to assisting the building of an inclusive and lasting peace process and projects such as ‘Inconspicuous Gallantry,’ where previously unheard stories are brought to all our attention can be very valuable.

“We have welcomed the support of both Peace III and Strabane District Council Good Relations Department in developing this project.”

Contact the venues directly/or Carol Wright at 02871267519 for further information. ‘Inconspicuous Gallantry’ is funded jointly by SEUPB Peace III and Strabane District Council through its Good Relations grant aid programme.

Related topics:Strabane