Binlids, one of the more unusual theatrical ventures to come out of the United Kingdom of late, is headed for Off-Broadway this October. The play will retain its original cast, and for good reason: Bidlids was written and is performed by residents of West Belfast.

The production, which traces Northern Ireland's long struggle with the British. It was built out of hundreds of interviews with West Belfast citizens, who talked of imprisonment, harassment, death and survival. The show is performed on five stages that surround a standing audience.

Underscoring the show's innate political content is the fact that one of its most ardent fans is none other than Gerry Adams, president of Sinn Fein. Writing in The Irish Voice, Adams called Binlids "an important play, presented in an innovative and riveting way. Gripping theatre that in its totality is what peace and the making of peace will be all about."

Various political factions in Northern Ireland recently approved a fragile peace agreement with the British government, following a long, tortured peace process.

No theatre or dates have been set for Binlids. -- By Robert Simonson