The countdown to the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival has begun. The event, which is now in its 58th year, will kick off at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone on Friday April 30 and will run for nine nights finishing on Saturday May 8.
With season tickets already sold out, expectation is high among patrons and organisers alike for a festival of the highest standards in amateur drama. Already 31 groups from all over Ireland are competing at local festivals the length and breadth of the country in a bid to secure a place at the Athlone finals.
All the groups are well experienced, with many having won the event already - some on more than one occasion. The range of plays being presented runs across the full spectrum of theatre with works by Irish and international authors being performed. Some old classics such as Synge’s “The Playboy of the Western World” will be staged alongside some modern work like Mauritius by Theresa Rebeck. Works by Miller, Steinbeck, and Bennett are also in the running.
With two weeks to the close of the preliminary circuit, three groups are already through to Athlone. These include twice winners Cornmill Theatre Company with Shining City by Conor McPherson, one of Ireland’s most acclaimed dramatists of recent years. Also through are 2007 champions Silken Thomas Players from Co Kildare who will present The History Boys an engaging drama by British playwright Alan Bennett. Bidding for their first title is Shoestring Theatre Company from Charleville, Co Cork who will perform Jim Nolan’s heart-warming play The Salvage Shop.
In close contention for the six remaining places are last year’s back to back winners Estuary Players from Dublin, Ballyduff from Co Waterford and Ennis Players. Groups from Dundalk, Leixlip, Lifford, Belfast, and Wexford are also putting in a strong challenge. The complete line-up will be available on the festival’s official website at www.dramafestival.ie from April 1.
Meanwhile, sharpening his pen in preparation for the big event is adjudicator Tom Doherty, GODA. Tom has had a distinguished career in drama including teaching, directing, and adjudicating. He is the longest serving tutor at Gormanstown Summer School and has worked with The Open University, the Guthrie Theatre in the US and is currently director in residence at the Playhouse in Derry.
Toiling away in the background is the hard-working festival committee who are leaving no stone unturned for what is now regarded as the most important event of its kind in Europe. Attracting hundreds of visitors to the Midlands every year, Athlone is getting ready for the influx. The town council and the local business community is full square behind the event and with RTÉ on board, the festival will get the prominence on the national airwaves that such an event deserves.
Joe MacCarrick, festival publicity officer, commented that festival week will be bigger and better than ever. “Exciting drama, vibrant fringe, and a festive atmosphere. All we need is a spell of good weather and it will be simply magic,” said Joe. The perfect springboard to get the summer holidays off to a flying start! Full updates on www.dramafestival.ie
