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RUC-to-PSNI play 'will fuel much-needed discussion'

A play based on the "human story" behind the RUC's transformation to the PSNI will lead to much-needed discussion around the issue, according to its main backer. Crows on the Wire by Jonathan Burgess is touring throughout the nine counties of Ulster over the next month. Focusing on the final night of the RUC's existence, it is part of a project of the same name examining the views of former officers about the switch-over. Commissioned by Derry's Verbal arts centre, the drama centres on conversations involving a veteran RUC officer, a former officer and a young recruit who is looking forward to the new police service. Verbal arts centre chief executive James Kerr said he hoped it would be a catalyst for debate on emotions experienced by officers at the time. He said many older RUC officers felt they were being sacrificed by the decision to abolish the force. "With the change from the RUC people did not want to hear the story on the individual level. Jonathan talked to former officers and gives them a really clear voice," he said. "At the same time I was determined to ensure this would not be an apology for the RUC. For that reason one of the characters is a young recruit who is looking forward to joining the new PSNI." Mr Kerr said he hoped the play's free admission would encourage as wide an audience as possible to attend.