Gay pavee play

On sat 24th of Oct Roseleen Mc Donaghs play 'John and josey' about gay pavees will be airing a reading at 2pm at the outhouse in dublin. Il not be making it myself but two members have confirmed therel be in attendence - anyone else going?

Il b thre

I'l b there

Fionnuala

hope its a great1!

How did it go?

I've just written about this and it got swallowed in the computer. I'll try again... I enjoyed the play, particularly hearing and seeing a gay Traveller represented on the stage (I think the actor was a settled person?). The play raised issues I've seen discussed here and heard Travellers speak about - eg pressure to marry, homophobia from family and violence directed at gay Travellers etc. I thought the pattern of speech including cant and cursing was authentic, as was the storyline.

I'm tripping over myself here trying to explain that I feel awkward raising the issues above, ie homophobia etc, as a settled person on a Pavee site. It's just loaded for someone outside the Community to be critical. It's not like the settled community is perfectly safe and sorted for lesbians etc, though we do enjoy more supports. I have great respect for gay etc Travellers because I don't think I could come out if I faced similar pressures.

It didn't occur to me to contact Yadneverguess, who was also to see the play, until I was sat in the theatre and realisd that s/he wouldn't have membership of the forum obviously displayed - no computer attached. I did see a few possible candidates but didn't want to go around asking. Next time!

Thank you for the great review – it's terrific to hear the plight of gay travellers is being portrayed in a realistic and honest way. Such open communication and direct mirror view can only help and highlight the all to often overlooked issues in play.

I hear tell that it will be re-staged at a later date, one which I fully intend to attend (god willing).

I hope you continue to share and explore your understanding of the communities with us. Having the perceptions of the external flow as well as working actively within the community offers up some unique view points that can only be rewarding and illuminating for all involved.

Again it's terrific to hear that the play was a success – long may such things continue!

Hanu Fein

Wasnt there myself but heard about it. Roseleen is such an amazing woman! I did hear though that the pedo issue wasnt really attended to in the play as many travellers think thats what gay means (which si so distressing) but that might just be picky as its hard to cover everything in a single play.