Theatre is lifeblood of the community says new chairperson of Drama League of Ireland

I have a great love of drama and I have richly enjoyed appearing with many drama groups in the area including the Kilcumney Players, Kats eatre Group, Gowran Little eatre Company & New Ross Drama Workshop. My early joining of the Duiske Players Drama Group in Graignamanagh set me up and educated me for a long and happy career in amateur drama. Edward recently performed with New Ross Drama group in ‘Same Old Moon’ and Peggy Hussey from that society had this to say: “Edward possesses all the ingredients to make an exceptional chairman and will add a lot of spice to the role”

CRADOCK AN INFLUENCE

Edwards love for the world of ama teur theatre was enhanced by his many visits to the Watergate theatre, when as a young man he watched numerous local productions.

Edward takes up the story: “I remember watching many productions over the years in the Watergate theatre, always with a very talented cast but to be honest I was always in awe of Mary Cradock. Her ability on stage to inhabit a character, to

KCLR to do a Christmas recitation

I am still her biggest fan! ere are many more wonderful actors, ac tresses and directors that I have worked with, watched and learned from but Mary was there right at the very start, so I must remain true to her”! And indeed on the evening of his election to the role of chair of the mes evoke such a range of emotions and to hold an audience and the narrative in the palm of her hand was always a treat to behold, and in all honesty I was her biggest fan. One day I met her in Superquinn, (when I was a young lad), and just door stepped her with delight in meeting her, and she was so kind to me chatting all things drama. Even still, each Christmas, when she comes on my radio show on amaal

DLI one of the rst messages on social media was from the aforementioned Mary Cradock: “Congrats to Edward on your great achievement. I have no doubt you will make a superb Chairperson” Mary Cradock, Lake Productions. Another message of congratu lations came from CEO of KCLR radio station John Purcell: “We’re delighted for Edward and wish him all the best in his new role. He’s always a great performer whether on stage or on air and I’m sure he’ll be equally great in this new gig as Chair of the Drama League of Ireland.”

Edward joined the Duiske Players Drama Group in Graignamanagh in 1995 when Martina Connolly & Edel Bolger took him to the AGM, and he never looked back. He was just twelve and he says: “I’m sure many would have preferred I wasn’t there but they found jobs for me and I relished my time with the group, and still do. e group has put on many wonderful plays over the years and always enter tain the audiences “

FAVOURITE SHOWS

Having performed in so many productions and with various groups e Kilkenny Observer enquired as to his favourite ones. He lists o productions such as All My Sons by Arthur Miller, Sive by JB Keane, Spectre Don Nigro, and e Cripple of Inishmaan’ by Martin McDonagh.

Edward is keen to mention that although not a full length play the one man show that he performed in 2019, celebrating the works of John B. Keane where he took nine of his plays and thirteen of his characters and put them together in an evening of theatre, was perhaps one of the most euphoric theatrical moments of his life. is resulted in him being invited to perform the piece in Listowel, the stomping ground of John B.

And what of the Drama League of Ireland and its role in Irish society.? e new chair was full of praise for the organisation on which he has already served two years at board level as both board member and as the editor of the bi-annual DLI magazine.

Edward went on to explain that “DLI is very important and it aims to support, nurture and enhance the aspirations and activities of practitioners in the amateur theatre sector through education, training, advocacy and advisory services.

Mr Hayden went onto explain that the Drama League of Ireland has a membership around Ireland, second only to the GAA and amateur drama is the lifeblood of so many communities. Before we wrapped up the interview we asked Edward of his plans as chair.

“I plan to work together with the board to ensure the development of drama in as many ways as I can. Many groups lie dormant since the pandemic so I hope that we can encourage them to re-ignite. I also hope that we can help established groups protect themselves in terms of advice around having a constitution, protocols and all that goes with the success of a group”

Edward was adamant that the DLI can continue to provide training with quali ed professionals to continue to improve the standards of drama belong performed.

While aware that the ‘Competition circuit’ is a popular option for many groups. Mr Hayden believes that others feel precluded by the challenges it presents. “I would hope to either alleviate their concerns or work on the challenges to ensure that as many people as possible get to compete on the drama circuit, as great learning takes place in public adjudication.”

A Comment From Duiske

We will leave the nal word to Duiske Players from Edwards hometown of Graignamanagh.

Lily Breannan said that the group was absolutely delighted for Edward to get such an honour. “It is no more than he deserves” said Lily “ and I have no doubt he will execute his duties with his usual panache and charisma. is is a great honour for Duiske Players, Graignamanagh and Kilkenny, concluded the Duiske spokesperson. And so say all of us Lily. So say all of us.