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Salient. Newspaper of Victoria University of Wellington Students Association. Vol 41 No. 3. March 13 1978

Political Theatre

Political Theatre

A Red Mole in Action

A Red Mole in Action

What is Union Road Show? Perhaps the best way to answer this is to say that Union Road Show is an attempt by a group of unionists, actors, students and others to establish a Trade Union theatre in New Zealand. Such a theatre, we felt, would be a useful contribution in the battles being waged against falling living standards and those who attempt to smash effective unionism. It would attempt to show that such battles are not unique to the present day.

Rather they are yet further examples from a long history of struggle, the milestones of which — 1890, 1913, the Great Depression, 1951 — are indelibly etched into the consciousness of many a New Zealander It would portray those times as effectively as possible while stimulating the audience to draw conclusions applicable to today's situation.

Obviously such theatre would be useless if the audience to which it is directed finds it boring, dull or pompous. The best way of preventing this is to constantly refer work in progress to the audiences, and discuss the show with them afterwards. This is where Union Road Show differs from other forms of theatre.

We have a specific audience in mind, a definite political purpose, and therefore a real interest in finding out what that much neglected group of people, the working class, really wants out of theatre, if anything at all.

To begin with a pagaent-type history play was written that attempted to cover the major events between the years 1842—1913. It was given a rehersal reading for an invited audience including unionists and people involved in theatre.

Extensive criticisms and suggestions for improvement were made. Among other things it was pointed out that it would perhaps be more useful to focus on a single event, and, taking material from the play, work up short pieces that could be presented in the space of half an hour or so.

This would allow for more character development and could be shown during the lunch-time break at factories etc. It was also decided to concentrate on three themes: the right to work, the right to organise and the right to strike.

At present we are working on a show that tells the story of the Dunedin tailoresses' struggle to organise into a union in the face of the apalling conditions of "sweated" labour under which they had to work. This took place in 1889, the tail end of the Long Depression (c. 1875—1889).

There was thus widespread unemployment, and it was this backdrop that made the fight very difficult and dangerous, it you did not have solidarity you could easily be picked off and end up on the street starving. But it was also this situation which made the task more important and brought about the necessary solidarity.

This first show is reaching completion and will be premiered in a factory during the lunch hour. And after that, who knows where? So watch out for it. Union Road Show will be reaching you soon.

Harold Merriman and John Bailey