Month: December 2019

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Festive tribute to the creative, artistic people of Donegal

Getting kissing techniques just right for on-stage credibility, takes practice.

Ask director-cum-teacher Máire Ioannidis.

She’s taught loads of people how to do it, her latest challenge being in the recent production of the musical ‘Hairspray’ by students at Pobalscoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola at Amharclann theatre in Bunbeg recently.

“Where do you put your hands, your arms,” she explained to me during a conversation after the Donegal Gaeltacht’s school’s triumphant, four-show run attended by more than a thousand people. “What side do turn your head to kiss, if you both turn the same way heads, noses may bump together, hardly an authentic and romantic sight to behold.”

That was only one of many challenges facing Máire and her team in the ambitious production. Capacity crowds and standing ovations are testament to the fact that they got them all right, including directing sixty-six teenagers.

Tickets for all productions were like gold-dust, with friendly Amharclann general manager, Manus O’Domhnaill, saying the shows provided a record attendance for the historic theatre, which was established in 1961 and reopened after major renovation more than a year ago.

Speaking about ‘Hairspray,’ Máire said proudly, “This particular musical holds a special place in my heart, a story about an amazing opportunity that turns a vision into reality. And I thoroughly enjoyed working with our talented students who showed commitment, energy and enthusiasm throughout. Unlocking their confidence, seeing them grow and perform on stage each night along with watching their joyous celebrations and a shared team attitude of ‘we did it!’ at the end of each show made this whole experience very worthwhile.”

‘Hairspray’ is an American musical with score by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman based on John Waters’ 1988 film. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including best musical, it focuses on efforts by a dance-loving teenager to bring racial integration to a popular TV show in 1960s Baltimore.

Having gone to watch several productions of ‘Hairspray,’ in other theaters, Máire and her team then created several unique extras to their production. These included performers surprising audiences by entering from different doorways at Amharclann and a scene in which a chorus of singers walk through the aisles holding candles singing, then sitting on the floor among the audience.

Set changes were accomplished professionally with the aid of lighting, for example, from an ordinary living-room scene complete with ironing-board and TV to that of a prison cell, in which the lead performer, Róisín Doogan, playing Tracy Turnblad, has been incarcerated.

From the get-go, the opening song and dance routine ‘Good Morning Baltimore,’ this production leaped along in vibrant bounds with other complex choreography and songs including a powerful renditions of ‘Big, Blond and Beautiful,’ ‘Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now’ and ‘It Takes Two’ spiced with comedy and sentiment.

“PCC’s production of ‘Hairspray’ was full of energy from beginning to end,” said Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhrighde, a well-known actor who was in charge of lighting for this show. “Their singing was lively and it was excellently choreographed. It was well cast and they all portrayed their character effortlessly. Their drive and enthusiasm was palpable, students and teachers alike. “

Máire herself is no stranger to the arts, being a member of local acting group, Aisteori Ghaoth Dobhair, and an accomplished flute player. She also directed a school production of ‘Grease’ for two consecutive years. Of Gweedorean-Greek parentage, Máire has worked at Pobalscoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola for the last four years teaching a mix of Irish language, IT and business.

Aside from the versatile student actors and singers, full credit goes to crew, some of whom were also students, and senior production members including producer Donna Coll; choral director, Siún McDermott-Lyng; choreographer, Maureen Byrne; audio Noel Boylan; set construction, Joe Coll, Christopher Symth and Manus Gallagher; costumes, Mairead Harkin McGee and Siobhan Doogan. School principal, Maeve Sweeney and her deputy, Donna McFadden, said they were “over the moon about the show’s success.” Profits went towards various school expenses.

Coming up soon at Amharclann is its annual pantomime, this one entitled, ‘Leipreachán an Phota Mhóir.’ With Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhrighde involved, both on and off-stage, it’s bound to be a beauty. Don’t miss it! January 24-26 and January 30 to February 1.

The Amharclann and student actors and production crew at Pobalscoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola are only the tip of the iceberg of creativity throughout the Donegal Gaeltacht. Throw a stone and you’re likely to hit a painter, a musician, a sculptor, a yoga teacher, a hypnotherapist, a novelist, a poet, a psychotherapist on the head.

Consider the wondrous wealth of talent coming up beginning tomorrow at the Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair, the Gweedore Winter School beginning tomorrow (Friday) –  http://scoilgheimhridh.com/

Also, please read previous blog on this site on an issue vitally important for everyone living in Donegal.

And check out ‘Ireland Writing Retreat’ https://www.irelandwritingretreat.com/ and my novel, ‘Pretty Ugly,’ linking Donegal and the United States https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pretty-Ugly-Sean-Hillen/dp/1523361158

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Helluva commotion going on in Donegal over lovable little oysters

Oysters, those soft, jelly-like little creatures that are (to some people) delicious to eat and ingeniously produce glittering pearls, are causing some bother in Ireland, especially in Donegal – or at least the greedy corporations hunting them for profit are.

And it seems the partnership government of Fine Gael-Fianna Fail and its back-up civil service are doing their utmost to prevent concerned local communities from doing anything about it.

Sitting at a public meeting this week at Falcarragh Community Centre focusing on these issues, these were the thoughts that passed through my mind as I listened to speaker after speaker give their views on controversial shellfish farming practices at Ballyness Bay near the town of Falcarragh on the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ in the Donegal Gaeltacht they consider are polluting and defacing the lovely, pristine scenery.

John Conaghan, spokesperson for the ‘Save Ballyness Bay’ committee, said four jobs would be created through aquaculture while more than 250 would be created via tourism, therefore “we should be protecting our area environmentally.” He also complained his committee had been denied inaccessibility to certain details, sometimes entire documents, pertaining to official comments made by both Donegal County Council and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

“An official comment from Donegal County Council stated that there would be no visual impact, but the document was simply signed by a clerk,” he said. “I’ve spoken to many councillors and nobody seems to know who authorized the comments. No visual impact? Maybe, lads, you should go to Specsavers.”

Politician after politician, both local and national, including TDs, Sinn Fein’s Pearse Doherty and Fianna Fail’s Pat the Cope Gallagher, told around 200 concerned people that they were unable to access key information relevant to the situation.

John Shéamais Ó Fearraigh Sinn Fein local councillor and Údarás na Gaeltachta board member said he would try with whatever powers he had to obtain the information required from the council and the Irish language organization. “I will do whatever I can to help,” he said.

Fine Gael local councillor, Michael McClafferty, said he had submitted questions to the local council but had not received any answers. “It looks as if we are being thrown under the bus,” he added.

The proposed shellfish scheme could cover more than 46 hectares of sea coast in the scenic Gaeltacht region, with bags on steel trestles containing millions of oysters, with sediment accumulation beneath them and large-scale congregation of dead shells, committee members said. Licenses for 20 hectares of oyster beds have already been granted, with one site alone being over 10 hectares.

Committee member, Caitlin Ni Bhroin, said “no cost-benefit analysis has been produced for us to see” and licenses have been granted on “unsound scientific criteria, including the idea that oysters are healthy water filters, but they actually emit waste.”

Conaghan said there were many contradictions in the government’s approach. “While it granted licenses for shellfish farming, Ballyness Bay is not designated a shellfish area, but it is a special area of conservation.” He said Inland Fisheries Ireland declared the bay a valuable fishing asset.

“We are against all oyster harvesting in Ballyness Bay, such activity will damage eco-tourism, which could bring much-needed jobs,” he said. “Gaps, mistakes and assumptions sums up the government’s approach. If community concerns had been addressed properly, we’d not be standing here talking.”

He said the ‘Save Ballyness Bay’ committee was being assisted by Belfast-based Pat Finucane Centre.

Commending the committee on its efforts, Sinn Fein’s Pearse Doherty stated clearly, “My firm belief is that this scheme is anti-community and the application process is not fit for purpose, they are not being given properly and there is a lack of clarity.” He said three years ago he had sent a letter to the relevant ministry and department questioning the decision process, adding “construction cannot begin until all appeals have been heard, which could take several years.”

Being a long time, staunch member of Fianna Fail, part the ‘partnership government,’ Pat the Cope Gallagher, was obviously in a bit of a conundrum. While he offered to find out more information and report back to committee members, he went into a bit of a tantrum when I asked him to say ‘yes or no’ whether he agreed with the ‘Save Ballyness Bay’ committee’s views.

Now, credit being given, Pat is a wily politician, that comes with being forty years and more in politics. Maybe I spoke harshly when I said that his spiel was (to quote myself) “pure politics, filled with generalities and trivialities.” That he took offence was his right. That he tossed the microphone down (as someone said, “like a baby throwing out its dummy-tit”) is also his democratic right.

But he still didn’t answer my question.

Instead, he said previous situations had occurred near his home in Dungloe similar to the one at Ballyness but he “didn’t get involved in them,” but said he did pass on letters he had received from local people to the relevant minister.

At the meeting, two members of Aontú pledged their support, with one young member saying as the shellfish farms were adding to the carbon footprint, people had a right to know more.

Local resident, Mary Attenborough, said while a proper environmental impact study was required, so-called experts were all vetted by the government, and that bias might occur in their reporting.

Committee members were still unsure if licenses already granted were strictly non-transferrable.

One challenge facing the committee is the expense involved in appealing licenses. Each one must be appealed separately at a cost of 200 euro each, with a time limit for appeals being four weeks from date of the government’s decision on December 4.

Columbia Hillen, my wife who is from Romania but concerned about the environment, stood up and asked if those local people who had applied for licenses would show support for the local committee by refusing to accept them even if they were granted. None of those applicants in the hall – and there were some present – said anything. One of the applicants, Seamus O’ Donnell who owns Cluain Na d’Tor (Seaside Nursery Garden) in Falcarragh had gone as far as saying he is “having second thoughts” about his application for over 4.4 hectares of aquaculture if granted. But has he withdrawn his application?

For full information on all applications see HERE.

One speaker said Ballyness Bay was one of the best surfing areas, comparable to Hawaii and western Australia, creating strong tourism income. “Let’s try to keep it that way by not spoiling the scenery.”

Another speaker summed up feelings of many people present, “Governments that treat people with disdain, usually get their comeuppance.”

Sean Hillen is co-founder of Gaoth Dobhair based ‘Ireland Writing Retreat’  and author of the contemporary novel, ‘Pretty Ugly,’  linking Donegal and the United States.

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Ireland’s Falcarragh Jazz Festival helps dispel winter gloom

Quiet, unassuming and immensely talented.

That sums up Irish musical twins, Michael and Conor Murray, sax and double bass players respectively.

Not only but they are also architects of what must be one of the cosiest and intimate jazz festivals on the island of Ireland, in the small coastal north-western Gaeltacht town of Falcarragh in their native county, Donegal, which took place last weekend.

jazz music,Donegal festival, irish festivals

With international musicians such as sublime guitarist Lucian Gray from Canada, David Lyttle, a whiz on drums, Scot Steve Hamilton, a wonderful keyboardist, appreciative audiences were treated to some high-level performances in what was only the festival’s second year, in venues such as The Shamrock and Gweedore bars and the Batch restaurant. Excellent musicians also included Cleveland Watkiss and the Joseph Leighton Trio.

If austere members of the Catholic Church, which – just as they did with yoga – proclaimed jazz as Devil worship not so very many generations ago (as did Communist dictators), had seen how people were packed close together enjoying the melodies, they’d have tossed the infamous Irish Dance Hall Act at them, pages fluttering hither and thither.

The musical menu ranged from original compositions by Lyttle such as Summer Always Passes, After The Flood and Camels, the latter a gentle melodic homage to the humpy-backed animal, to standard jazz classics such as Misty, written in 1954 by pianist Erroll Garner; Someday My Prince Will Come written by Larry Morey with music by Frank Churchill for Walt Disney’s 1937 animated movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; These Foolish Things, about fleeting memories of young love with lyrics by Eric Maschwitz and music by Jack Strachey, and Body and Soul, written in New York in 1930 with music by Johnny Green and lyrics by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour and Frank Eyton, as well as works by Capitol Records co-founder and American Tin Pan Alley lyricist, songwriter, and singer, Johnny Mercer, such as Autumn Leaves.

“We put careful thought into this festival and are just delighted to be able to share the kind of music we love with you,” Conor told an appreciative audience at The Shamrock last Saturday night.

In paying tribute to the twins’ efforts in organising such a successful festival, friend and musical colleague, Lyttle, said “Once I said it would be a great idea to start a jazz festival here, but I was only joking, okay, half-joking. Sheer naivety or blind-faith, I’m not sure which was uppermost in Michael and Conor’s minds when they decided to bring a jazz festival to a little Donegal town such as this. They both deserve great credit and I’m certainly very happy to be here.”

For those who unfortunately missed the weekend’s concerts (death is the only acceptable excuse), here is a sample of what you could have heard had you risen, Lazarus-like.

Roll on next year!

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Triumphant celebratory evening at Letterkenny’s An Grianan theatre

It’s always immense fun meeting highly creative people.

I know that’s saying the obvious.

But sometimes we overlook the obvious.

So it’s good to remember.

For without them, society loses its very soul.

Pluincéad Ó Fearraigh, a teacher from the Donegal coastal region of Gaoth Dobhair, now chairperson of the Letterkenny Music and Drama Group (LMDG), is one such person.

So is the excellent actor, Eoghan MacGiolla Bhrighde, also from Gaoth Dobhair (is the overriding sense of creativity in that particular region in the air, or the water?)

Their efforts make life for hard-working, theatre-lovers like Letterkenny-based Anne and Simon Smith, former technician-cum-union leader and well-respected professor of nursing at the University of Ulster respectively, all the more enjoyable.

So here’s to creative people, both on and off the stage.

Here’s my tribute that was published in a recent edition of the ‘Donegal News’ on the latest creative event to emerge from the so-called ‘Forgotten County’ (who needs Dublin anyway, especially when creative people establish the Independent Republic of Donegal).

Fine singing, complex choreography, comedy skits, theatre, screen presentations, colourful costumes, skilful lighting, not forgetting the terrific orchestra – was there anything missing from the kaleidoscope of on-off-stage talent celebrating in grand style the 20th anniversary of An Grianán?

Not anything I noticed.

In fact, I’d go as far as to say if last weekend’s extravaganza wasn’t West End/Broadway quality it was certainly not far off it. And some acts by far surpassed it. And I say this with some degree of certitude as I’ve been to, and reviewed many, London and New York performances.

It’s no wonder, Pluincéad Ó Fearraigh, chairperson of the Letterkenny Music and Drama Group (LMDG), founded in 1991, was so content afterwards sitting among his hardworking cast in the theatre lobby enjoying a well-deserved toast to the show’s success.

An Grianan anniversary, Donegal theatre, Letterkenny Music and Drama Society

Pluincéad Ó Fearraigh enjoys a post-show success with members of of the Letterkenny Music and Drama Group (LMDG).

“I was delighted with the way the gala concert went,” he said. “The audience reaction every night was fantastic and made all the hard work very worthwhile. Everyone – cast and production team – have worked tirelessly since the beginning of September to make sure it was a concert to remember and worthy of celebrating 20 years of An Grianán being opened.”

He continued, “We were privileged to be the first group to perform in An Grianán when it opened on 16 October 1999 and delighted be given the opportunity to be part of its 20th anniversary celebrations this year. This was our 38th production in the theatre during those twenty years and we look forward to many more.”

The LMDG cast and crew of more than 40 people, plus the other acts, from towns Donegal-wide including Milford, Ballybofey, Gweedore and Letterkenny, and others outside the county, including Derry, Sligo and Strabane, put on a three-hour show that had audiences mesmerised, with many saying it far overshadowed the visiting Galway-based Druid Theatre which performed for the 10th anniversary.

The diverse musical repertoire stretched from naughty songs such as ‘How I Got The Calling’ from ‘Sister Act’ sung by ‘nuns’ in habits to the sexy, sensual ‘Cell Block Tango,’ with singers dressed in skimpy outfits, to the inspiring – as if that wasn’t inspiring enough – ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ from ‘Les Misérables.” There was also an extract from a play by Brian Friel, dynamic steps by children and teenagers from Alison Quigley’s School of Irish Dancing and comedy skits adapted from ‘Life Of Brian,’ ‘Monty Python’ and F.U.N.E.X. from the TV series, ‘The Two Ronnies.’

Among the happy show-goers were theatre lovers, Letterkenny couple, Anne and Simon Smith. “It was great night of entertainment,” said the former. “There were so many memorable performances from musical theatre shows that we all know so well. And so many talented performers from Donegal. A fantastic way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the theatre in Letterkenny. Well done to all for all the hard work in putting on such a great show.”

Theatre in Donegal, An Grianan theatre, Gweedore artists

Letterkenny-based theatre lovers, Simona and Anne Smith, enjoy an outing at An Grianan, helping celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Added Simon, “While there was lots of singing and dancing from the great musical theatre shows, I particularly loved the drama – a bit of Brian Friel, a bit of Monty Python. The famous argument sketch was hilarious. The celebratory show reminded me of the many great local drama productions enjoyed over the years, one in particular being ‘The 39 Steps.’ ”

Added Patricia McBride, the theatre’s director, “The Gala Concert marking the theatre’s 20th anniversary was a testament to the rich talent we have in Donegal. The performers royally entertained the audience. The atmosphere was very positive and the feeling of goodwill towards the theatre was palpable. It was a wonderful occasion.”

What's On Donegal, Live shows in Letterkenny

Enjoying convivial company at An Grianan Letterkenny.

Gaoth Dobhair born actor, Eoghan MacGiolla Bhrighde, who starred in several comedy sketches and was also a member of the Letterkenny Music and Drama Group that won the RTE All-Ireland Drama Festival with its production of ‘The 39 Steps,’ said he was “delighted” to be chosen to take part in the celebration. “it was great to be involved in such an occasion, especially among so many talented performers,” he said. “While some members of the music and drama group have changed, over the years their spirit still lives on in the magic of the musicals and other stage performances of all kinds.”