Respect Works Both Ways – Galliagh play to look at ‘respect’ (preview)
[Courtesy (unknown) September 13th, 2005]
A play devised after a collaboration between the Galliagh Women’s Group and the young people from “Off the Streets” initiative is to be performed at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall this coming Thursday.
The comedy/drama examines the relationships and perceptions held by the young about the old and vice versa.
Speaking about the play, called “Respect works both ways”, project facilitator and renowned local writer, Irene Melaugh said: “The play originates from the Galliagh noise issue. That is the noise generated by a number of young people in the streets and how the matter could be resolved.
“This is not a scripted play. It has been ad-libbed which gives it a realistic feel. The young and old people working it out and saying how they feel.
“I think both sides developed an understanding of each others point of view. There is certainly no bad or good argument in the issue.
Working on the play for the last three months Irene says she developed a new understanding of the problems faced by the area’s teenagers.
“It made me think of my own youth and realise that these young people have nothing else to do. They are being pushed from one street corner to another. Their argument was ‘we live in this street too!’.
“I’m a mother myself so I understand how the older people feel about the noise but hopefully this drama, which is immensely funny to be honest, will open the issue up and help bring a solution to the problem.”
‘Respect works both ways’ will be performed at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall this coming Thursday at 7.30. The whole community is welcome.