Child’s disappearance is subject of play 50 years on
The remarkable one act play, One of Our Ain, explores issues of child sexual abuse, child protection and gender inequality and features in the Stay Safe programme in Scottish secondary schools. The HSE and local authorities are funding its performance at the Cork Arts Theatre (CAT) Club.
Written and performed by Sandra Brown, who was awarded an OBE for her work in child protection, it tells the story of how Moira Anderson vanished from her hometown of Coatbridge on February 23, 1957 – and how her disappearance became one of Scotland’s longest running cold cases.
In the play, Brown recounts how 27 years after Anderson was last seen, Brown’s bus driver father – a convicted paedophile – confessed that he had been involved in the child’s disappearance. And so began a campaign by Brown to see her father, Alex Gartshore and those who may have acted with him, brought to justice.
Unfortunately, this campaign came to an abrupt end when Gartshore died in 2006.
UCC sociologist Dr Mary Mulcahy is one of those responsible for bringing the play to Cork. She said it is one of a number of initiatives designed to generate a more proactive approach to child protection in the Cork area.
“In the wake of the Ferns, Ryan and Murphy reports, and as we await the publication of the Cloyne report, this provocative presentation is both timely and important. We believe this play is of relevance to anyone who works with, cares for, or cares about children, including parents, youth workers, childcare workers, teachers and gardaí,” she said.
One of Our Ain is followed by a post performance question & answer session to open discussion on the issues raised.
* Three performances will take place in Cork: Wednesday, October 27 at 8pm; Thursday, October 28 at 2.30pm and 8pm. Tickets can be booked at Cork Arts Theatre on 021-4505624.
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