Playwright Gary Mitchell still in exile

[pete2]

Gary Mitchell is a loyalist playwright from the north sent into exile by Loyalist paramilitaries. Feted as "the authentic voice of working-class loyalism".

..There’s no doubt that Mitchell is a brave man. But perhaps there was also a reckless naivety, born out of lifelong familiarity with the paramilitaries who controlled his community, that made him think he could get away with it. After all, simply to be a playwright is often considered suspicious and counter-cultural in working-class unionist circles.
“Protestants don’t see the arts as belonging to them . . . plays are seen as silly things that can’t change people’s minds”, says Mitchell. “When I was growing up, the over-riding feeling was that everyone involved in the arts is gay or Catholic. There was no room for a heterosexual Protestant. Wanting to talk about plays or films, that was seen as completely gay. If you can get by that, and you establish you’re not gay, then you’re a taig, and you’ve changed, you’re a traitor. It’s that simple, it’s that black and white. I had that my whole life, and I still have that. I’ve been doing this for 18 years and I’m still the only one.”..<article continues>

A man of loyalty and principles - The Irish Times - Sat, May 02, 2009

[5intheface]

And who, besides Mitchell suffer? Ordinary working class Unionists/Protestants to whom he attempted to give a voice. Not surprising that Loyalists objected to plays depicting the reality in their community.

[pete2]

And who, besides Mitchell suffer? Ordinary working class Unionists/Protestants to whom he attempted to give a voice. Not surprising that Loyalists objected to plays depicting the reality in their community.

Had not heard of this man before today, and thats because none of his stuff has been televised. Was able to dig up some further info on him
Gary Mitchell - complete guide to the Playwright, Plays, Theatres, Agent < listing of his work
Gary Mitchell
Gary Mitchell | Culture Northern Ireland

[JCSkinner]

That community will only reach maturity when they start exiling the UDA/UVF scum and start feting people like Mitchell, and not the other way around.

[Kf]

Good post.

I was only listening last week on TV as the local MP for the area, Nigel Doods berated the loyalist paramilitaries for their behaviour and later when Peter Robinson demanded that they decommission immediately.

And then the acid wore off.

[Lao-Tse]

Didn't other writers from an Ulster Protestant background, like
Sam Thompson and Sam Hanna Bell, get in trouble for criticizing
aspects of Unionist society?

[JCSkinner]

Hanna Bell definitely did. He was effectively stymied in his career in the BBC (then a UUP bastion) as a result.

[5intheface]

Had not heard of this man before today, and thats because none of his stuff has been televised. Was able to dig up some further info on him
Gary Mitchell - complete guide to the Playwright, Plays, Theatres, Agent < listing of his work
Gary Mitchell
Gary Mitchell | Culture Northern Ireland

I could be wrong but I am almost certain that at least one of his plays was televised a few years back. I believe he is quite well regarded and not someone who attacks his community but highlights its difficulties and its good points. An occupation, by its very nature, bound to bring him into confrontation with Loyalists whose might depends on the continued problems within 'their' areas.

[socialdemocrate]

not meaning to sound like a ************************* but isn't mitchell a catholic name? mitchell with one L been the protestant version? the only reason i ask is cause i'm a mitchell and froma historically catholic family and that is what i've been brought up to believe