Father courage

In Belfast, the Pam Brighton wing of Dubbeljoint and the Just Us community group in West Belfast has had huge, if controversial…

In Belfast, the Pam Brighton wing of Dubbeljoint and the Just Us community group in West Belfast has had huge, if controversial, successes with shows like Binlids and Forced Upon Us, but their latest, Fr Des, so far enjoys Arts Council, Lottery and Belfast City Council support. Written by Newry man Brian Campbell, the play is a tribute to Des Wilson, the radical priest, banished to West Belfast in the 1960s who, through the Troubles, became deeply immersed in the community and its development. Now in his mid-70s, he is the author of Democracy Denied and has won many international prizes. No doubt Wilson is bemused by actor Jim Doran's warts-and-all portrayal of him, from his weaknessness and crises of faith, to Wilson's personal courage in standing up to the Catholic Church, the RUC and the British army. It's on tonight at the BIFHE, Whiterock (tel: 08-1232-202222) and then on Monday it goes to the Newry Arts Centre, and to the Monaghan Garage Theatre on Thursday night.