RECENTLY, in the Amateur Drama column of this newspaper, I welcomed an improvement in the presentation of press releases by the Drama League of Ireland, writes Padraic O'Farrell. I did not know then that one of them contained incorrect information.
It stated that an individual withdrew from the editorial committee of the league's newsletter due to business reasons". This was not so. This individual informed the Drama League of Ireland that he was withdrawing from the committee because he felt he would be subjected to a form of censorship.
A few weeks after that, the National Executive Council of the DLI informed Keystone Communications that it intended to seek an injunction against certain material which Keystone Communications was using in advertising for Gormanston Summer School.
The matter was settled out of court. In the meantime, a group of DLI members met in Longford and formed Concerned Members Nationwide. Among other things, they felt their membership fees should not be used for legal costs of this nature.
All this was newsworthy, yet the May edition of the newsletter ignored the row. CMN say that, in order to call an EGM, they requested from their executive a list of members and a copy of the DLI's by laws, but were refused it. They engaged a solicitor to take up their case.
The NEC proposal to take legal action was passed at a March meeting of the NEC in Athlone, by eight votes to five, with three abstentions.
This decision led to widespread anger, the resignation of staunch supporters of the league and the subsequent formation of CMN.
Members complain about the NEC denying them details about their own membership constitution and bye laws.
Paragraph 3 of DLI's by laws sets out the league's aims and objectives
(a) To promote and foster all aspects of amateur drama and theatre in Ireland
(b) To promote progress towards one body for amateur drama in Ireland
(c) To provide for the improvement in standards in acting, production and presentation in amateur theatre
(d) To represent members in dealings with other bodies and organisations
(e) To foster co-operation between all those involved in amateur drama and theatre
CMN, which has since held another meeting with Dublin groups, claims that the NEC's legal action disregards subsections a, b, d and e.
I have no quarrel with the DLI executive I wish to be fair. But only one side has been passing on information. Early in the dispute, I invited the then chairman to state his case, and promised to quote him verbatim. He did not respond. I sought, but did not receive, information on these issues.
On June 6th, a member of Dalkey Players wrote (on behalf of 18 drama groups and 10 individuals, all named) to the national secretary of the DLI, requesting an EGM to debate a motion. "That this Special National Convention has no confidence in the present NEC". On June 12th, the chairman and secretary of the DLI wrote to members giving details of the events outlined above. They presented a strong case. Meanwhile CM still seeks an EGM.
