THE second half, of the Esso All Ireland, Amateur Drama Festival began with the experienced Sundrive Players in The Night Of The Iguana by Tennesse Williams. Skilful acting, assured direction and general capability were evident, although dramatic highs were not reached.
Fresh from their victory at the Welsh Festival of Drama, holders of the Esso Trophy, Enniscorthy, planted a flag for its retention in no uncertain fashion. At times when Jim Nolan's Moonshine teetered on the brink of bad taste, astute direction steadied it. Hamming a play within a play as "amateurs" would court disaster if handled by less adept players. This seeking of expression and new beginnings offered a challenge that Enniscorthy's team work look in its stride.
Kilmeen Drama Group probed the tragedy beneath the fun in Bernard Farrell's I Do Not Like Thee, Dr Fell with great success. Well rounded performances from all the cast ensured an absorbing and entertaining evening, particularly in the second act.
The words style, elegance and panache sprang to mind after Bangor Drama Group's performance of Ibsen's A Doll's House, which featured a fine set (except for an errant door) and splendid costumes.
Thurles Drama Group had a well designed damp cell, but new chains and clean limbs look from the required misery of their three prisoners in Someone Who'll Watch Over Me. Each player impressed, and direction had just the right pace.
The Esso Trophy for the winning group and director went to Enniscorthy Theatre Group, directed by Andy Doyle. The Esso Playwright Award went to Dubliner Susan Knight for her play Dream House. Other awards best actor. Pat Connaughton, Enniscorthy; best actress: Grace Brophy, Sundrive Players; best director outside winner: Liam Ryan, Thurles; best supporting actor: Christy O'Sullivan, Kilmeen; best supporting actress: Maureen McLean, Ballymoney; best set: Bangor (Keith Humphries and Jack Brough); best lighting: Enniscorthy (Liam O'Brien and Freda Shaughnessy); best stage manager: Sean Cassidy, Sundrive. Esso Scholarships to Gormanston and Maynooth Summer Schools went to Myra Maguire, Estuary Players and to Michael Carroll and Siobhan Lysaght, Castleblayney.
