Play’s critics told to turn other cheek

POSTERS for a controversial play about the Irish Famine have been branded as “blasphemous and an insult to the Irish people”.

A representative for Concerned Roman Catholics said the play, F**k I’m Hungry, due to be staged in Sligo, is a public attack on Christ.

John Ferry said: “Christ is being publicly attacked in Sligo and left lying on the road outside the Hawkswell Theatre.”

Mr Ferry has slammed the posters, which show a wooden cross with a spud wearing a crown of thorns, claiming they constitute an incitement to hatred.

“Beneath the cross there is a warning that the play contains strong language and material that may be considered offensive by religious types and Joe Duffy listeners etc.

“The play’s authors have admitted it themselves that it may be offensive to those who believe in God.

“When I first saw it, I was reminded of the parable about the man who fell among robbers, was severely assaulted and was left to die on the roadside half dead. The stranger took pity on him and was commended by Christ, but now Christ is being publicly attacked. ”

He added: “Our people died in their thousands by the side of road and they were force to eat grass. How dare these people blaspheme and mock us like this?”

Play co-author Shaun Gallagher said people could make up their own minds about the production.

“We are artists and not trying to make big historical points,” he said.

“It is a different look at the Famine and not meant to be taken too seriously and that is why it is a comedy. We have included a warning but that is not unusual in some productions.

“Both my parents have seen the play and they are practicing Catholics and it has not affected them.”

He suggested Mr Ferry “lighten up” and “show some of that great Christian virtue of turning the other cheek.” The play is running in Sligo this weekend.