Dressed in black, the men and women of the Ministry supported the structure in silence. There was nothing on the outside to tell people what was happening, just grey walls and a huge Big Brother eye. People walking past did not know what was going on until they came inside. The walls were hung with fabric paintings of quotes from Orwell and Statewatch on the Civil Contingencies Bill amongst others, with more detailed information leaflets in pockets sewn into the structure.
The effect on passers-by was electric. People ended up queuing to get in! The Ministry ran out of leaflets within minutes so a couple of supporters went into the structure to chat with people (the people from the Ministry are not allowed to speak). The Ministry had no hassle from the police (which was disappointing really, as it was felt they would play an appropriate part in the drama), and only one grump from a passing street warden.
The Ministry is street theatre with a serious political point and part of an on-going project. Next time the Ministry will be bigger, so that people don't have to wait to come in, and more information will be provided inside. The Ministry will be ready to greet Blair when he pops into Manchester.
Heather, Manchester Social Forum
(0790 318 4786, roserat@btinternet.com)
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