On Thursday 23rd of March I visited a production
called “Two Tribes” which explored the aspects of the Strike Movement around
Barnsley and how it affected the lives of the community. The play explored
different views, opinions and situations which made you question as an audience
life around the movement and how it impacted lives through the perspective as a
striker and workers who were known as “Scabs”. The play was written and
directed by the cast which was interesting to observe as a viewer to analyse
the research obtained and how they adapted it to fit the roles and characters
displayed. I was inspired by the research they obtained through the Q&A at
the end of the performance and it reinforced the primary research I have been
generating for my project. The cast was powerful and moved the audience thoroughly
as the director mentioned previously that others have cried through watching
the play and describing it as their life personally. One actor in particular
stood out within the cast who played a major role as a Striker and mentioned
that his role was taken from personal research from his family which made the
audience connect to the character well. Also, this particular character discussed
the events well within the play and including political views and how it
impacted friendship throughout the community. The set display was inspiring as
it demonstrated the working class society and how communities are connected
together through working men’s club and pubs. This also reinforced how society
and community was effected by the Strike as the economy was falling which lead
to the closure of local businesses and social clubs. Also on display was
screens which gained a timeline of events which was interesting to observe the
conflicting views between the Governments and describing the NUM as the “enemy
within”. This was emphasised by the director at the end of the show that “The
Government set the miners up” and it also “Divided The Community” which was
highlighted and had a major influence throughout the performance. The outline
of the play was two sided following two friends who have been divided by the
strike being described as a “picket” and “scab”. Through the character of the “scab”
he was excluded through society and was given threats by fellow friends and
family of the community which cannot be forgiven up till the present day. I was
interested to follow this study as I have previous knowledge from my Grandma of
people within the community who are still excluded and hated for going back to working
in the mine during the strike. The sense of regret was highlighted towards the
end of the play as the loss of the mines were told and unemployment rose
through the community. The views and contribution of women through the strike
was emphasised through the play which was fantastic to study as they discussed
soup kitchens, helping each other and marches across Barnsley. It made me proud
as coming from a working class background to see the support within the
community and it also described my Grandmas personal experience. The leadership
of Scargill was emphasised perfectly through the play as a speech was spoken on
the bridge of the theatre which highlighted the strong, powerful message spoken
from the NUM leader. Also, iconic signs and slogans were displayed within the
theatre which I have previous knowledge of which continued to emphasise a
strong powerful message within the community. The handmade signs gave the
impression of the local community working together united. A conflicting
impression was acted within the play which explored the police officers who
were strong figures within the movement. Strong threats and violence’s were
presented which relates back to the current topic of Orgreave and how the
officers treated the miners at this event. This event was adapted and changed
into an expressive performance and dance which was interesting to see and interpretation
of the topic. 3,000 NUM members were arrested and the union supported miners
through paying for fines and arrests. This sense of unity was demonstrated within
the play as miners and families joined together to help each other. Once a
miner went back to work within the strike you were described as a “Scab” which
made the character within the play “isolated within the community”. The sense
of struggle made you think about what families dealt with but also considering
the decision to be isolated by the community but also earning a living. Through
my perspective I was standing with the strikers and families who united together
to help each other. Towards the end of the play the character gained a sense of
guilt with quotes including “I regret going back to the mine” and also how a
friendship was broken between families and friends. Overall the “Two Tribes”
explores the impact of the Miners’ Strike within society but also personally
through friendship and families united together but also tearing apart through political
views and opinions. I was impressed and obtained further research and knowledge
of the Strike Movement which will contribute towards my project. I was pleased
gaining information around the actor’s research and this will be included through
my research process. I would recommend the play to all generations but
specifically within the Barnsley community who experienced the strike and the
impact within society.
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| Set Display |
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| Images taken from the Miners Strike |
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| Working Mens Club Set Display |
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| Set Display |
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