The All-Ireland Drama Festival Committee has drawn attention to the inadequacies of the Dean Crowe Hall in Athlone, where finalists perform. A submission published in the Arts Development Plan for County Westmeath says that the committee has received complaints from both the public and from performing groups regarding the deficiencies of the venue. "There is general agreement that it is inadequate for its present needs of staging the All-Ireland Amateur Drama Festival, local and national musicals, as well as professional and amateur plays, revues, etc.", the report says.
Two years ago, the Festival Director, Colm Kelly, assured a final night audience that a major reconstruction of the hall was on the way and that the finals would take place under proper conditions in 1998. This has not come to pass and groups have been asking questions. The Westmeath Arts Plan states that a trust has been set up to re-develop the Dean Crowe Hall and that there has been ongoing contact "with agencies such as the Department of Arts, Heritage, the Gaeltacht and the Islands to progress the re-development plans. The festival committee feels that the appointment of an Arts Officer would be a welcome development in Westmeath."
The Festival Committee was not alone in recommending an Arts Officer for Westmeath. But at a meeting of the County Council, the County Manager, Mr Jack Taaffe, stated that such an appointment was being deferred, pending further discussion. He promised a meeting between the members of the County Council and organisations which had made submissions to the Arts Plan. This would include the Athlone Festival Committee.
Work on a new arts complex is coming on stream in Mullingar, however, and there is some concern that an Arts Officer will not be appointed in time to advise on its policy and management structure. There is concern too about the Midland Arts Resource Centre's place within future developments. Currently, it is a Westmeath V.E.C. initiative, grant-aided by the Arts Council and supported by FAS.
Gormanston Summer School (Stagelines) Outreach programme for Spring and Summer has been published. On February 7th and 8th, Scott Marshall, a popular adjudicator and director, will conduct a weekend workshop for actors and directors. The venue is Hayden's Hotel, Ballinasloe. The course will provide for interaction between actors and directors and will focus on the Martin McDonagh plays, The Cripple of Inishmaan and The Lonesome West. Directors will explore the most effective methods of presenting selected scenes, while actors will concentrate on developing the complex characters in both works.
For North Leitrim groups, Hubert McMorrow is co-operating with Stagelines in arranging a weekend workshop for Manorhamilton and Glenfarne. Tommy McArdle is tutor there on February 14th and 15th.
Finally, word that Willie O'Brien, Scurlogstown, Trim, Co. Meath, DLI Chairman, is co-ordinating a group insurance scheme for DLI members. A good idea.
