A POWERFUL new play examining the history of Long Kesh jail is to receive its world premiere in Belfast in January.

The production, Chronicles of Long Kesh, was written by acclaimed local playwright, Martin Lynch, and will be staged by Green Shoots Productions.

It tells the story of the world-famous jail, as seen through the eyes of both republican and loyalist prisoners, and the prison officers who worked there, from its opening in August 1971, to its closure in July 2000.

Although the play covers many major events from the prison's history – including the burning of Long Kesh in 1974, the hunger strikes, and the Great Escape – Martin says he deliberately tried to concentrate on the stories of ordinary prisoners, rather than those who went on to become famous – or infamous – later in the troubles.

"Many people will be able to identify with the stories and recognise some of the types of people in the play. As part of my research I interviewed hundreds of people who had been in the jail. I met so many real characters and heard so many remarkable stories – some of which had me roaring with laughter, and some had me close to tears," said Martin.

"The human experience had a real impact on me, and I hope I have done their stories justice," he added. 

Martin, who is also founder and creative director of Green Shoots Productions, said he had always been interested in prison literature, everything from the Young Irelander John Mitchel's jail journals to the Black Panther George Jackson's prison letters. 

"As a child I grew up hearing stories in the house about people who were in jail in the 1940s and ’50s and they always fascinated me. When the Troubles started two of my brothers were interned, and I had friends and relatives in jail throughout the 70s and 80s, so I have a personal interest in the issue too.

"There are no party politics in the play, and everyone's point of view is included. Some of the characters say things that some people won't want to hear, for example, sometimes prison officers are criticised and sometimes they are praised.

"I couldn't have written the play 15 or even ten years ago, but now a lot of stories have started to emerge. It was really only possible with the end of the Troubles because it has allowed a calmer reflection on the whole experience," he said. 

Martin added that he is very keen for ordinary people to see the play, because thousands of working class people went through the jail over the years. He has planned an innovative community outreach programme to run alongside the production.

The play will be shown first in St Kevin's Hall in North Queen Street – a key community venue – and the performances will be followed by a talk-back session to allow the cast and audience to explore issues raised in the play.

The production will then move to the Waterfront Studio for its world premiere before taking in a comprehensive tour of the North, including a performance at Maghaberry Prison. 

Two debates, one on the literature of Long Kesh and one on experiences of political violence, will be held in conjunction with the play, and both will feature panels including republican and loyalist ex-prisoners.

The play will be staged in St Kevin's Hall in North Queen Street on Friday, January 9 and Saturda,y January 10. Tickets are £6 and are available from the hall, or for bookings phone 07979575340.

It will then move to the Waterfront Studio from Wednesday, January 14 to Saturday, January 31. To book a ticket phone 90334455 or log on to www.waterfront.co.uk

The debate on the literature of Long Kesh will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday, January 7 at Belfast Exposed in Donegall Street, and the debate on experiences of political violence will be held at 4.45pm on Saturday, January 24 at the Waterfront Hall Studio.   

For more information email info@greenshootproduc tions.com or phone 90291555.