Another year has ended. A year in which the Drama League of Ireland rolled up its sleeves and got down to useful business. Included in this was the innovative search for new writing among its members. So often this column has bemoaned the neglect of the life blood of theatre, play-writing.
Now, assisted by Esso Ireland, the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland has established an annual competition for full length plays. The DLI received financial assistance from the Arts Council to organise rehearsed readings of new one-act scripts. The Abbey Theatre did the selection and the readings took place in Longford, Waterford and Dublin, under professional direction.
The DLI's association with the Drama Association of Wales will promote play-writing too. The Welsh Play-writing Competition 1998 is open to DLI members and John Forrest of 11 Blackrock, Monavalley, Tralee, Co Kerry, will accept entries on the theme "Shadows". Winning plays will receive cash prizes and will be considered for publication. Closing date for entries is January 31st.
John will also welcome inquiries about a Winter School in Valencia, Spain, from February 21st to 28th. Again, the Welsh organisers are offering "Sunshine, Sangria and High Drama".
John Forrest remains as editor of the league's Newsletter, while Willie O'Brien of Trim continues as DLI chairperson. Jane Leslie is vice-chairperson and Mary Pears is national secretary, as well as International Amateur Theatre Association representative. Busy Mary Dympna Murray is treasurer and IATA representative, Marianne Gibney is recording secretary, Karen Carleton is PRO, Ester Goulding is librarian and Jo O'Donovan is summer school director. The committee members are: Frank Herraghty, Marian Kinsella, Ted Stapleton, Noel Lyons, Joe Jordan, Maura Lucey and Tom Mekitarian. Maire Nic Gearailt is back for a third season with her lively Backstage programme on RTE Radio 1. Maire has a winning way and a sharp ear for what is happening. Her programme is always enjoyable and informative.
Carlow Little Theatre won the All-Ireland One Act Finals at the Belltable Arts Centre in Limerick, performing Tadhg O Cathain and the Corpse. Adjudicator Michael Vernon placed Donegal Theatre Group second with their Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. Malthouse Players won the Confined Section with What's For Pudding and Moate Drama Group were runners-up with Growing Pains.
The Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O'Rourke, was on hand to open the splendidly refurbished Little Theatre in Athlone. Built originally as a church, the building became home for Athlone Little Theatre in 1936 and the thriving group is still active there. In its early years, plays such as George Shiels's The New Gossoon and T.C. Murray's Autumn Fire were directed by an Army officer, Lt Col Michael Cosgrove, and by Aileen Coughlan.
Since then it has staged a number of productions each year. Harry Smith plays the title role in Hugh Leonard's Da in the group's current production. Of the refurbished theatre, Smithsays: "It is a little gem. It has raked seating for 100 people, a new lighting system, a new foyer and enlarged openplan dressing accommodation and green room."
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