Speakers tell of theatrical malaise

A dominant theme among guest speakers at this year's Irish Times/ESB Irish Theatre Awards was the apparent lack of interaction between theatre and contemporary society.

In her comments during the "official" part of events the chairwoman of the judging panel, Ms Maureen Kennelly, lamented the lack of new productions outside Dublin and said strong new writing and true and imaginative direction" were "urgently and particularly" needed in Irish theatre generally.

Playwright Thomas Kilroy felt that currently "the very nature of theatre itself is being challenged".

He remembered decades ago the fears then over the impact television would have on the theatre, but felt that now the challenges were even greater with the multiplicity of media outlets. However, he had faith in the ongoing and irreplaceable power of live performance.

"That can't be duplicated in film or on screen," he said.

Mr Michael Colgan of the Gate Theatre feared theatre was "becoming marginalised". Everyone involved had to find a way of getting together to discuss the situation other than just meeting at funerals or awards ceremonies. "I do think it is time theatre took a look at itself," he said.

He felt the new Theatre Forum, praised at the awards ceremony by ESB chief executive, Mr Pádraig McManus, was "one of the most important things to happen the theatre in Ireland".

The Theatre Forum has brought together, for the first time, production companies, venues and arts festivals in a single organisation, to campaign for proper funding.

Mr Mannix Flynn, who won the Best Play Award for his play, James X, was critical of "certain individuals" in the theatrical establishment at whose door he laid the blame for the current malaise. It was time for people who had given "many great years' service" to move on, he said.

"The Irish theatrical fraternity has lost touch" with issues that concerned Irish society he said, observing that of those at the awards (estimated at 500) "about three" had seen his pay, James X. It deals with child abuse in religious-run institutions.

Questioning a €200 million subsidy to the arts in Ireland he asked: "Who is it reaching? It [Irish arts scene)] is elitist, unhealthy, almost dead."