THE Amateur Drama Council of Ireland has just announced its list of full length festivals. This season, 35 qualifying events will precede the All Ireland Finals in Athlone, where Seamus Hosey will adjudicate for the first time. A man respected for his fair judgements, he will be warmly welcomed on Shannonside.
One play made quite an impression in Athlone last year and now, the Leitrim Observer has published Lovely Leitrim by John McDwyer. Their Carrick on Shannon office is offering the text at £5.00, which includes packing and postage. Value indeed for a publication that should prove to be extremely popular!
Jointly, the ADCI and the Drama League of Ireland have been conducting their One Act Drama Festivals, the finals of which will take place in Ballyshannon on December 6th, 7th and 8th, with P.J. Croal adjudicating. There were 26 qualifying festivals and there are reports of extremely high standards.
The DLI reports a "high level of debate" at its National Convention in Cobh, when "a number of problems which had lingered over the past number of months were debated with passion and civility." The Dalkey Players' motion disputing the right of the N.E.C. to take recent legal action was defeated. Additional powers for members at Annual Convention were ratified. Any five individual members may in future put forward motions for convention and "new by laws will make it easier to call an EGM". The League's resume of proceedings states that "a new organisational structure to be pursued at county level will bring together drama activists/member groups to work together with the DLI in promoting amateur drama and in furthering local co operation. This will give grass roots member groups a greater say in developing the organisation. Each elected representative to the NEC will have responsibilities to his/her province." The DLI will investigate the possibility of having an umbrella insurance cover for member groups and the formation of the League into a limited company.
There is a stronger regional representation on the new Council which is, Chairman: Willie O'Brien, Trim; Vice Chairman: Noel Lyons, Ballyhaunis; Secretary: Linda Crowther, Ashbourne; Recording Secretaries: Jane Leslie, Waterford and Frances Blackburn, Glasnevin, Dublin; Treasurer: Dympna Murray, Dundrum; Maynooth Summer School Director: Jo O'Donovan, Ballon, Co. Carlow; Newsletter Editor: John Forrest, Tralee; Public Relations: Karen Carleton, Dundrum; IATA Representative: Mary Pears, Leixlip, Co. Kildare. Members: Tom Latchford, Ballinasloe; Frank Heraghty, Kiltimagh; Niall Cassidy, Lucan; Joe Jordan, Portobello, Dublin; Marian Kinsella, Carlow. The representatives to the ADCI are Tom Latchford and Marian Kinsella. There is a vacancy on the executive for an Ulster member and the Convention requested nominations for co option.
