An Interview with Pete Haw

Following the death of Brian Haw, the extraordinary anti-war campaigner who camped outside the Houses of Parliament for 11 years in protest against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, YMT are putting on a musical about young people’s responses to the war on terror.

According to Brian Haw is a highly-charged piece of new music theatre with an important message, in light of this, Heather Welsh talks to Brian’s son Pete about how he feels about the whole thing and reveals some beautiful memories he has of his Dad.

What was your response to the idea of taking such a difficult topic and turning into a musical?

My initial thoughts were that this would be fantastic, appropriate and inspiring. It wasn't until I met the young people and professionals involved that it really hit home what an extraordinary and un-missable opportunity this would be, and after talking and spending time with the cast and crew I knew I could trust them to do an amazing job of the production. However, none of these feelings compared to actually seeing the performance, feeling the emotions, being in the stories as they unfolded ... I was literally breathless, speechless and re-heartbroken by the power and significance of the production.

Why do you think people should see the production?

To witness, experience, and understand the many ways in which my Dad inspired people and the power that one person can have if they choose to use it. To, just for a moment, peek into Dad's world through the lives of his family, and see what a wonderful man he was. To be moved by the musicality, drama and emotion of talented young people.

What do you hope this production will do for young people’s awareness of the war on terror?

I hope that young people seeing this production will become more considerate and open-minded, to realise that not every situation has a clear-cut solution. I would like them to be inspired by the power of one, but at the same time recognise the complexities of being so selfless, determined and loving. Above all, I’d like them to consider that everything possible should be done to find peaceful solutions to the critical dilemmas that they will grow up to face.

And finally, what do you remember the most about your dad?

To sum up Dad in two words: loving and determined. His deep love for his family and the children of his wider family; humanity. His tender cuddles when we went to see him, his constant words of support and encouragement. His unerring, unwavering, indefatigable spirit, against all odds, to hold our politicians to account for the life-changing decisions they make on a daily basis.

According to Brian Haw is showing at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, London from Tuesday 20 August – Thursday 22 August at 7:30pm.