Play has city link

It centres around Francis Ledwidge, a poet who was stationed at Ebrington Barracks during WWI.

Playwright and Ledwidge enthusiast Dave Duggan said he was delighted to have the chance to tell the story.

"Ledwidge is a fascinating character and the time he spent in Derry in 1916 was exciting and historic, so soon after the Easter Rebellion and the Battle of the Somme. The thoughts, feelings and conflicts of men in barracks, knowing they will be sent to fight again, are dramatic, full of energy and fear, and often violence," he said.

"As well as soldiering in Ebrington Barracks, Ledwidge walked the streets and the riverbanks, enjoying his time here. The city made a strong impression on him and led him to write specific poems including one entitled 'Derry'," he added.

Also of interest is the fact that one Waterside group in particular has become increasingly aware of Ledwidge over the past year.

Caw/Nelson Drive Action Group received Arts Council funding through their Re-imaging Communities programme and last summer managed to the re-place a former paramilitary memorial mural in Nelson Drive Estate with a new community mural depicting "Ebrington" past and future.

Community co-ordinator Linda Watson, said: "Initial discussions took place with EPIC regarding the replacing of the mural and approval was given to the group. During June last year we ran workshops with groups of all ages in the local community to determine what the features of the new mural should be. Nearly 200 people participated and many of those involved had links to Ebrington and memories of working there.

"There was a concern that the new Ilex regeneration plans for the site would result in the history of Ebrington being lost. We also wanted to look to the future and the new Peace Bridge which is currently being built and the significance of how it will link the Waterside and Cityside for the first time," she said.

"Ledwidge's time in Ebrington was highlighted by a number of participants as important to the area but it quickly became clear that many didn't know about the poet or his link to Londonderry. This resulted in group discussions about Ledwidge and it was decided that his time here was of great significance and so some of his poetry was chosen to feature on the mural".

That poem was 'Derry'.

Following a tour to Dublin, Donegal and Belfast, the play will return toLondonderry for two special performances in the old stable block at Ebrington Barracks, supported by Ilex.

Mo Durkan, from Ilex commented: "We are pleased to host the closing nights of the play in Ebrington. Plans for the Barracks' redevelopment incorporate an arts and culture cluster and so the performances will give people a taste of what to expect when the site is completed. It is a ftting end to the play's tour that audiences will get to spend an evening in Ebrington where Ledwidge spent his last few months in Northern Ireland."

The show opens at The Playhouse on February 25, running until February 27 and goes on tour before being staged in the old Stable Block at Ebrington Barracks on Saturday and Sunday, March 13 and 14.

For further information or booking telephone The Playhouse on 028 7126 8027 or www.derryplayhouse.co.uk .

The production has been sponsored by Peace III European Funding and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.