Talking to terrorists

By Daniel Nelson

The bomb blasts in London give still more impact to Talking to Terrorists at Londons Royal Court Theatre. It is a powerful piece of verbatim theatre scripted from interviews with real people the title of which comes from the mouth of the Mo Mowlem character: Talking to terrorists is the only way to beat them.

I cant understand why Tony [Blair] didnt understand that. Gerry and Martin wanted to talk; of course theyd done dreadful things, but theyve got wives, they want to play with their kids, theyre normal family men.

Many might argue that her judgement applied to a particular moment in the struggle for Ireland but has less relevance in London today. But one of the strengths of the collage of conversations that make up this play is its humanity whether of a former Ugandan child soldier, of Norman Tebbits wife, of the British Ambassador recalled from Tashkent, or the Palestinian Al-Aqsa Brigade member exiled in Ireland.

Some of the harrowing testimonies linger disturbingly in the mind; some raise a smile (hostage Terry Waite finally being given a book - a breastfeeding manual that "wasn't even illustrated"); some reveal realpolitik, like the British civil servants dealing with an off-message diplomat; some underline truths, such as the former members of the IRA and the UVF in Northern Ireland who share a cup of tea and develop a friendship, a commonality of motivations further highlighted by the British army officer who admits that had he been born in Crossmaglen or South Armagh, I would have been a terrorist.

There is humour and a lot of superb one-liners (I looked around the room and I thought, Im the only person in this room that hasnt killed anyone), as might be expected from people who have been, literally, in the line of fire. There is not much analysis, though Edward, a psychologist offers a few insights: Adolescents are such good material {for terrorism].they can see how things could be different, but arent aware of practicalitiesso theyre slightly reckless and have a strong illusion of immortality.

It adds up to a strong case for documentary theatre, and for thought.

* Talking to Terrorists, Royal Court Theatre, until 6 August. OneWorld Events listing