It’s Been a Dramatic 50 Years

After treading the boards on a variety of Sligo stages throughout its 50 year history, Sligo Drama Circle appears to have taken the audience’s “encore” directly to heart. First set up in 1956, the Drama Circle commenced its reign on the Sligo theatre scene with Walter Mc Donagh’s directed play, “Thy Dear Father”. However, having been set up in 1950’s Ireland, a lot has changed for the SDC over the past years, as it made its way into the 21st century. Chairperson of SDC, Ann-Marie Byrne, said that while today’s group put on a play once a year, it was not unheard of back 50 years ago to have a different play every night.

“In the summer it was all different and they used to put on a different play nightly; I suppose it shows how we just don’t have the time for things like that anymore”, she said. Other changes include the introduction of a Youth Theatre Group within the Circle, allowing young people the opportunity to develop and nurture their acting skills. At the moment there are almost thirty young people attending the group and according to Ms. Byrne, there is an “ever growing demand”. Also in past years, young people within the Circle were given the opportunity to delve into the world of directing. “Our rehearsal space in Market Yard is the perfect venue to encourage young people to get involved in directing”, she said. “It is a non-threatening environment and they don’t appear to have that fear of failure about them”.

Ms. Byrne explained that all these youth oriented projects were created to “fit into the 21st century”. However, she added that these ventures would not have been possible without the “commitment and dedication” shown by SDC’s original members. And according to Ms. Byrne, the Gala Night, which took place to commemorate the anniversary provided an opportunity to “pay tribute to the people who had worked so hard in the Circle over the past 50 years”. The night embraced both the old and the new elements of the SDC, and fittingly took place at the Hawk’s Well Theatre. “The establishment of the Hawk’s Well is largely due to the hard work of all these people”, said Ms. Byrne. Programmes, posters and memorabilia from shows over the years were on display in the foyer on the night.

And while the SDC celebrations have now faded into the backdrop, “The Sligo Champion” relives the Circle’s 50 years one last time, through its own collection of photographs and programmes.

from The Sligo Champion, July 5th, 2006, by Maria Tracey