‘All Change’ debuts in Strabane tomorrow

A NEW thought-provoking short drama about the partition of Ireland will debut at Strabane Library tomorrow.

‘All Change’, written and directed by renowned play-write and theatre director, Jonathan Burgess, will be followed by a facilitated discussion on the themes and issues of partition.

The drama is set in 1922 at a train halt just outside Strabane. Two men meet as they wait for the train. As they begin to chat it becomes evident that they are from different communities, but what also becomes apparent is that the partition of the island has created issues for them which neither of them could have imagined or foreseen prior to the border being created. Can they resolve their situation and if so, what might be the cost to them or their community?

Moreover, the play seeks to pose questions and offer a new opportunity to dissect the impact of partition at the time as well as the discuss the impact of this on Ireland today.

“This piece was commissioned by a group called East End War Society in Belfast,” Jonathan explained. “It’s a short piece – 15 minutes long – and it centres on the two boys’ discussion.”

He continued, “People have a certain perspective regardless of what side of the community they’re on. This maybe points at a few specifics and asks people to consider those. It’s not just a black and white issue.

“With this thing, it’s from a Catholic’s and Protestant’s (point of view) and it’s been quite thought-provoking for a lot of people. I think it has kind of shifted their reality a wee bit. People aren’t getting what they expect with it.”

‘All Change’ shows at Strabane Library on tomorrow evening (Wednesday) at 7pm.