The Martin Guitar

Gerry's task to repair and refurbish a Martin guitar left to him Ronnie Lennox, his Loyalist friend from the Maze prison, represents the possibility of healing for Gerry in his life post- Troubles. The act of creating rather than destroying something serves as a kind of therapy for Gerry. Moreover, the Martin itself, which was gifted to him by a man in the opposite political party, represents a friendship that bridges party lines and acknowledges mutual humanity. Gerry's hope to learn how to play the instrument is an optimistic gesture in itself, illustrating his conception of a life with new skills and new habits. In restoring the guitar, Gerry works towards restoring aspects of himself that have been damaged or broken.

Ellen

Marie McKenna's daughter represents a generation that is completely unaware of the violence and brutality experienced in Belfast during the Troubles. Because...