PROSPEROUS Theatre's Nan Clarke persuaded John Mc Kenna to write a one act play for her company during the year. They came second with the work in the qualifying festival in the Backstage Theatre, Longford, but went on to win the All Ireland One Act Open Final at the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny.
Faint Voices, based on the Meath poet Francis Ledwidge's love for Ellie Vaughey, was one of three new works in the competition and this is indeed good news. The adjudicator, Tom McArdle, praised it and also the other two new works, Volkswagen Joe by Brendan McCann of Belturbet, and Marina by Susan Knight which was performed by Olivian Players. Barry Donaldson of Olivians took the AIB Award for script, design and fruitful collaboration between director and writer. The other adjudicator's award (the Gaslight Theatre's) went to Ned Dempsey for his "courage and integrity" in directing Masquerade of Arklow's The Maids, Trim Dramatic Society won the confined competition with Geraldine Aaron's The Donaghue Sisters, directed by Edward Kenny. Tom McArdle spoke of memorable acting here and also from the likes of Paddy Behan of Carlow Little Theatre in Small Box Psychosis, Maura Sharkey and Pat Bent in Manna, and Brian Molloy and Aisling Dearle from Matrix in Pinter's The Lover. He also lauded the good work and positive attitude of Kilmeen Drama Society and Castlewood Players, who presented Olwen Wymark's Find Me and T.C. Murray's Spring, respectively. David Tristam's Last Tango in Ballycreegan was played with what he called "sheer exhilaration" by Malthouse Players while he also praised the "fruitful co operation, great festival spirit and high standards" that prevailed throughout the week end.
Still on the subject of new one acts, it was refreshing to see Longford's Eileen Murphy's In Memoriam and Pat McCabe's A Mother's Love's a Blessing in Backstage Theatre recently. Eileen dwelt on a family situation, a widow's return to an old flame and the reaction of the pair's respective daughters. She displayed a good grasp of comedy, but this was not always capitalised upon by the Backstage Theatre Group.
Mother love is a strong theme in the Pat McCabe work, which has been presented on television, but not on stage up to now. Former Ballyjamesduff Frolics star, Eithne Ward, came out of retirement to play Mammy, and the piece featured a splendid performance by Noel Strange playing Pat McNab. Mick Reilly's steady direction was admirable.
Swords Drama Group are seeking new members. Ma ire Byrne will give details at 01 8402574, or applicants may attend at rehearsal nights, 8.30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at St Cronan's School, Brackenstown Road. The group will present The Wizard of Oz from January 5th to 7th and 12th to 14th. Derek Evans will give further information at 01 8401730.
