IN TIME O' STRIFE & THE COMMON MAN

The National Theatre of Scotland's production at the Sherman on Saturday night brought a standing ovation. The story is set in Fife, during the miners' strike of 1926, making links to the 30th anniversary of the miners strike of 1984/5. Joe Corrie, the writer was a miner himself. He wrote plays 'to raise money for the soup kitchens whilst they were locked out of the pits until they accepted lower wages for longer hours. The flyer states,
        ' Driven by live, gutsy, folk punk songs and intense, full-blooded choreography, this uncompromising production is a stark reminder that class conflict between those at the bottom of the social heap and those in power is perennial.'
         The production is certainly powerful, the music and dancing thrilling and  give real emphasis to the story. My only quibble is that the script would benefit from editing, and the actors find it difficult to achieve different levels of contrast. More moments of reflection and silence would add to the tension. Accents are sometimes difficult to understand when lines are sped through. But overall, a very interesting and moving performance.
       As a member involved in the Pontardawe community production, FALL OUT '84', (see earlier blogs), the theme of the struggle of the common man and woman  is one that always resonates. Here is a poem, written by Joe Corrie, that is recited by the performers,' In Time O' Strife.'


I AM THE COMMON MAN
I AM THE BRUTE AND THE SLAVE
I AM THE FOOL, THE DESPISED
FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE

I AM THE HEWER OF COAL
I AM THE TILLER OF SOIL
I AM THE SERF OF THE SEAS
BORN TO BEAR AND TO TOIL

I AM THE BUILDER OF HALLS
I AM THE DWELLER OF SLUMS
I AM THE FILTH AND THE SCOURGE
WHEN WINTER'S DEPRESSION COMES

I AM THE FIGHTER OF WARS
I AM THE KILLER OF MEN
NOT FOR A DAY OR AN AGE
BUT AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN




JTD, October 29 2014.