|
|
Inishowen smuggling stories wanted
27.04.09
A DONEGAL writing group
wants to hear from Inishowen people who have funny
stories about smuggling foodstuffs and other things
across the border during the 1940s and subsequent
years.
Artists in Creative Enterprise (ACE), a collective
of writers based in Derry and Donegal, are inviting
stories from members of the public to help them
shape a new play for theatre, an exhibition of
writings, and a talking book titled, 'Bordering on
the Ridiculous'.
Patrick Kearney of ACE said: "At a time when there’s
little for people to laugh at, we feel that sharing,
documenting and dramatising funny stories emanating
from everyday events along the border will serve as
a welcome tonic, and will indeed help a lot of
people to contrast negative memories and experiences
of the border with more positive ones." The idea for
the project arose after some of the group heard a
story from the 1940s, about a group of women from
Belfast who crossed the border to go to Buncrana to
buy tea and sugar and other basics when everything
was rationed. |
|
"The foodstuffs were
for one of the women’s wedding breakfast the next
day. On the way back, the Swilly bus was stopped by
the RUC, who proceeded to search the bus and
passengers. One of the women, who was due to enter
the convent within days was said to be smuggling tea
concealed in her underwear," added Patrick. |
 |
"Stories can be
sent before the end of September 2009 by post to
ACE, ‘Bordering on the Ridiculous’, Creeve,
Rathmullan, Donegal, or by email to
info@artistsincreativeenterprise.com .
Alternatively, ACE is happy to meet people in person
to collect their stories. Contributors’ identities
will be kept confidential, were requested. The
'Bordering on the Ridiculous' project aims to
produce a humorous and moving theatre script, a
public exhibition of writings and a talking book
based on true events which took place on and around
the border areas during times of peace and war.
Further information about the project is available
at
www.artistsincreativeenterprise.com or tel 074
9158836 / 086 1599068. |
|
