Ballymurphy shares its story

BY ÁINE Ní BHRIAIN

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives celebrates the lives of 33 IRA and Fianna Volunteers from the Ballymurphy area whose names appear on the Ballymurphy Roll of Honour. It is a deeply personal play, clearly a labour of love. One of the things that makes it particularly poignant is the fact that it was written by the families, friends, and neighbours of those who died. It was written by those who knew and loved them best, and it shows.

The entire local community had a say in the creation of the play. Neighbourhood shops even donated food for rehersals and when the work first premiered in December 2002, it was sold out all three nights it was performed, to standing ovations.

The cast of more than 20 actors is composed of both professional and amateur performers - including several young people, who were really wonderful. Some of the cast is even made up of locals who had never acted before, but you would be hard pressed to differentiate as all the performances are memorable and heartfelt.

The work itself is powerful and emotive, and theaudience cannot help but leave the show deeply affected. Many members were clearly moved and some were reduced to tears, remarking later that the work triggered memories long since forgotten.

Although the play is centered around those who died, it focuses on the personal stories and recollections of those close to them, which adds depth and compassion to each account. Each tale is set against the backdrop of the 'Troubles' from 1969 onwards, allowing the viewer to watch history unfold while witnessing the very personal toll the conflict has taken on the people of this area.

The stories themselves are funny and tender one moment, achingly heartbreaking the next, but it is the play's humour and compassion which makes it so compelling and powerful. Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives runs for the entire West Belfast Féile. Check your programme for showtimes and details.