A RESIDENTS' forum in West Ealing is aiming to engage with the local community through less conventional means – theatre.
Members of the West Ealing Centre Neighbourhood Forum (WECNF) said they hope to capture the attention of locals through their play, The Green Man: West Ealing Past, Present and Future.
It is hoped that the play, which traces the history of the area from the 13th Century, will encourage locals to think about the past and present of West Ealing and voice their opinions about its future.
Eric Leach, chairman of the WECNF and a resident in Ealing since 1967, believes that theatre is an effective way of bringing people together.
He said: "You’ve just got to be creative. We live in a society where people have busy lives and have often given up on the idea that change can be brought about."
The play, written by Murray Shelmerdine, will be performed on September 5, 7 and 12 at venues across West Ealing including St John’s Church and The Drayton Court Hotel.
It will involve five professional actors. Some of the technical duties, including the sound and costumes will be carried out by residents and members of the forum.
It is hoped the audience will stay behind after the performances to discuss what they want in their area, points which will then be taken to Ealing Council.
“We are all for development,” says Mr Leach, “but we don’t want to lose important parts of our community. We need to work together to create a sustainable plan for the future.”
He added he expects a full house at each of the performances and is pleased by the reception so far.
“People are fascinated by it. We’ve had great support from our local councillor about creating a more constructive way to engage with the community and the local council.”
