1974

I confess that I was not eager to leave Corrymeela for one last night back in Belfast. As mentioned in previous posts, our experiences at Corrymeela were incredible and there was something very peaceful in just being at the beautiful and comfortable retreat center. So yes, I confess I was not excited to go back to Paddy’s Palace (our infamous hostel) even for just one more night. However, I found that evening in Belfast to be one of the most meaningful of the entire trip. That evening many of us went to see the play 1974 on its opening night which was brilliantly written by Northern Irish playwright Damien Gorman.
Our experience at the Lyric Theatre began wonderfully as we met with Ronnie (a director from Corrymeela) who arranged for us to see the show and meet the playwright. Ronnie was the epitome of hospitality offering several times to buy us sodas or treats at the concession area. Upon entering the theatre we witnessed a deeply moving presentation. The play was set over the course of the last six days of 1974 which was year that saw horrific violence in Northern Ireland. The setting for the play was in alcohol treatment facility and it looked specifically at the life of four very different men struggling through this treatment program. It was a splendid way to participate in the local artistic culture though there were several jokes that we didn’t quite get. The play had a dark comedic tone.  However, at the end of the play the characters exit full of hope. At this point I thought the play was over and I honestly felt good seeing the characters I had grown attached to make progress and start a new life. However, just after the characters exit in rejoicing,  slides go up that show each of them individually bloodied and dead as the result of an apparent bombing. The lights go up. Internally I’m sad and very annoyed. I was just starting to feel good about life and now everyone is dead. I was ready to leave the theatre in mild disgust at what seemed an unnecessary and pessimistic ending. However, I was graciously given the opportunity to hear the playwright’s thoughts which completely defined my experience with the play 1974. 
It was an honor to meet Damien Gorman and quite frankly ask him skeptical questions. Damien responded to all of my questions before I had the chance to ask even one. In a nutshell he said he ended the play this way because it very much reflects the story of Northern Ireland. Just as things seem to be getting better and just as hope begins to emerge horrific tragedy and death prevail. We also learned that his own brother was treated in a similar facility for alcoholism but died before Damien finished the script. Sadly, we were swept out of the theatre very quickly though I would have loved to talk to this intriguing artist much more. I am grateful for every question and answer raised by 1974.