Recently I script edited a radio play about Robin Hood.
Bouncing the script back and forth to the sometimes beleaguered but always hard working writer, Iain, I couldn’t help wonder why the idea of challenging the rich, powerful and corrupt to help the poor, weak and vulnerable, is a story that we keep revisiting. Maybe it’s another lesson that the storytellers teach us. Maybe it’s about the function of drama in making sense of the world and encouraging us to take action.
Because, in order for civilisation to survive, we have to join together and stand up for what is right and take action to protect the less able in society. In the New Year honours list, two ‘whistle blowers’ Helene Donnelly and Julie Bailey at Staffordshire Hospital, have been honoured. These are women who took action and made a difference to the way that the elderly are treated.
This year Nelson Mandela died, a hero who stood up for what was right at enormous personal cost. As we look forward to the year ahead, perhaps with trepidation, perhaps with hope, let this be the year that, if we can, we make a difference.
Thank you to all you incredibly kind people who have followed the blog. Happy New Year to you all!
If you’re interested in that audio play, it’s available on Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hood-Noble-Secrets-Iain-Meadows/dp/B00DYXYDBW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388497140&sr=8-1&keywords=Noble+Secrets)
…or maybe, as with the old Jewish stories and holiday readings, it is because although the story stays the same, it is we who are different (or society) and, therefore, our interpretations and take-aways are different. HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO YOU!
Interesting. Do you really think we are different? Isn’t community and humanity a constant in the way people care for each other? Happy and Healthy New Year to you too!