Sabina officially opens the All Ireland One Act Drama Finals
Glór Theatre, Ennis, 3 December, 2021
I am delighted to be here at Drama at Ennis with you and have the honour of being invited to launch the finals of Drama Council of Ireland and the Drama League of Ireland’s One Act Drama Festival.
I am grateful that we can be here and that no other lockdown was declared. I think you and all the participants in this Drama Festival are to be heartfeltly congratulated on having had the courage because of your love and commitment to drama, to plough ahead with planning and rehearsing for the festival.
The part played by the Arts in our quality of life has been promoted and gaining recognition over time and in the last 50 years the movement of creative activity for everyone has seen participation in all sectors and at all levels of performances, amateur and professional, increase. This has meant that the appreciation of the Arts and the benefits they bring is now an important part of everyone’s enjoyment of life and sense of wellbeing. The Arts are now also recognised as making an invaluable contribution to the cultural dimension of our country.
There can be no doubt of the significant role that amateur drama has always played in the life of Irish communities, giving talented people wonderful opportunities to develop their creative possibilities. The gift of having a drama or music group in one’s area raises the quality of living and the lifestyle available to the area by so much.
Participating by having the privilege of performing in a play or in its direction, or in any of the backstage work, or in being a member of an audience is a wonderful experience. Both for the enjoyment and for its cathartic effect it is wonderfully developmental, therapeutic, and educational. It so helps our understanding and empathy.
For some, it may be their first step towards a career in theatre. For others it is an important artistic outlet in their lives, allowing them to enjoy the world of theatre in a way that creates a special connection between them and their communities.
For audiences too amateur dramatics are a vital artistic resource, bringing theatre right into the heart of communities for the enjoyment of all. For many it is through their attendance at local theatre productions that they first develop a love of theatre and are introduced to the dramatic work of many gifted playwrights including the great Irish and International authors. Indeed many of those playwrights will also have reason to be deeply grateful to the community drama groups who afforded them new possibilities and outlets as they aspired towards a literary career.
The 3 one act plays we will see here this evening, and all those that will be performed during this festival, have already achieved outstanding success by being chosen from the many wonderful productions that took part in preliminary festivals across the country.
That is a remarkable accomplishment of which you can be very proud indeed.
I congratulate all of you, and all the Amateur Dramatic societies around the country who worked with such commitment to have this festival take place in our communities and among our citizens. It is through your dedication and generous spirit that people of all ages and in all circumstances have effective access to the life enhancing gift of dramatic performance.
Finally, I would like to express thanks to you all and I wish the organising committee, the performing groups and their back-up crews, all involved in the fringe festival, and all the patrons who turn out in such large numbers, a most enjoyable 3 days of top-class entertainment.
It gives me great pleasure to declare the Drama at Ennis Festival 2021 open.