Playwright Robert is putting poverty in the spotlight
Express article inspires show at arts centre
A theatrical event has been inspired by a hard-hitting article in the Paisley Daily Express about poverty.
Robert Knox was bringing his play The Way It Is to Paisley Arts Centre when he read our piece about the local foodbank having to stock up for the winter rush.
As a result, 54- year- old playwright Mr Knox has invited the academic quoted in the article to take part in a question-and-answer session after the performance of the play.
He said: “I try to write stories about working class people but not to preach or blame anyone.
“The story is important and then I fill it with certain issues.
“With this play there is the story so many people have to resort to of three guys who get together at foodbanks in this day and age. the Job Club. “I don’t think it’s a political
“What I’ve tried to do is explore problem, I think it goes way beyond the reasons why people are on that,” he said Jobseeker’s Allowance or why they “I don’t preach and I don’t throw are at Job Clubs. politics at people but it is an issue,
“One of them has been working along with the homeless, downfor 40- odd years and has been and-outs, and drug addiction. made redundant – he’s just lost in “All I want to do in my play is this world and doesn’t know what to highlight it. do . “These people live normal lives.
“Another one can’t read or write They have a normal side to their because he left school early to look lives, as well as whatever they’ve after his mum who was sick, and the got wrong with them. third one was a European haulage “But they’re normal people.” driver but he got caught drink Mr Knox was moved by the driving, so he got banned. Paisley Daily Express article earlier
“So the three of them are lined this year in which we told how up in this club and it’s basically Renfrewshire Foodbank expects about the way they three of them to see an increase in demand of 30 get out of it.” per cent during the winter months.
Mr Knox said he is appalled that It is preparing for the hike as the full introduction of Universal Credit takes place in September.
“The Express had spoken to Professor John McKendrick,” Mr Knox said.
“When I read that I had already planned to bring my play to Paisley... and the foodbank was saying in July it was needed to stock up for winter.
“My main concern with that is, we know this is going to happen.”
And he added: “When I read the article I got in touch with Professor McKendrick and now he’s going to do a Q&A after the show.”
‘ The Way It Is’, which is being performed by ‘ The Platform’ company, from Glasgow, can be seen at Paisley Arts Centre on September 1 at 8.15pm.
Call 0300 300 1210 for ticket details.
I try to write stories about working class people but not to preach