From 1984 to 2004, The Return of the Ministry of Truth

On 28th Feb, people from Manchester Social Forum built a detention centre on Market St, Manchester to commemorate 20 years since 1984 and to get people thinking about the issues around CCTV, introduction of ID cards and Anti-terrorism legislation especially the up and coming Civil Contingencies bill.

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 in leaflets in pockets sewn into the structure.

The effect on passers-by was electric. People ended up queuing to get in! We ran out of leaflets within minutes so then a couple of us went into the structure to chat with people as the people from the Ministry were not allowed to speak. We had no hassle from the police (which was disappointing really, as we 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. This is 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 we can get more information inside. We will be there for Blair and pals and plans are afoot for Mayday..

Also coming soon to a shopping centre near you!