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DLI NEWSLETTER 28 MAY 2026
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 Happy Bank Holiday Weekend - here's hoping that this lovely weather will stay with us until next Monday. Lots of news in this edition - let's begin by wishing Kilmeen DG every success with their RTÉ All Ireland Finals winning production of BALLYTURK by Enda Walsh in the Peacock Theatre, opening tonight until Saturday.
 Congratulations to Kilmeen Director Denis O'Sullivan, actors Laura Connolly, Niamh Power, Sharon Mawe, Farah McCarthy & team as they make their debut in our national theatre.
PHOTO Eric Molloy
There are VERY limited tickets available on
www.abbeytheatre.ie
Mary Newman writes:
On Sunday last we held the AGM of the DLI in the lovely venue of Backstage Theatre in Longford, where we were warmly greeted and very well looked after. Delegates attended from all four provinces, in spite of the sudden arrival of glorious summer weather - we so appreciated the effort made by our members to travel to Longford.
The year was reviewed and all Board members reported on their roles and the work they’ve been doing on behalf of members. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the DLI Board for their hard work and unfailing good humour. I also thank Valerie McGuile most sincerely for the great service she provides throughout the year in the DLI Office.
Following the election of officers the Board will remain unchanged for the year ahead. I look forward to representing you for my second year as DLI Chair. Please keep in touch with myself, our board members & the DLI Office office@dli.ie
Mary Newman
DLI Chairperson
 Glenamaddy Players, winners of the All Ireland Confined Finals 2026 with their production of CHAPATTI by Christian O'Reilly, celebrated their long-awaited victory with a gala dinner in Raftery's Oakland, Glenamaddy last Saturday 23rd May. They have been treading the boards as a group for over 50 years, so there was lots to celebrate!
Mary Newman pictured with CHAPATTI director Coman Keaveny at the dinner.
 And with ADCI Chairman John Keane
Renewed congratulations to all in Glenamaddy Players!
 A message from DLI Summer School Director Ollie Kenny:
Excitement is starting to build as we anticipate our 60th Summer School!
The final payments are now due, and participants can make the standard payments due on the website using the link summerschool.dli.ie
Click on your course, go to 'Pay remainder' and continue with your options.
For non-standard payments, just email summerschool@dli.ie and we will send you the banking details.
See you all in UL1st August!
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ADCI/DLI ONE ACT CIRCUIT 2026
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DLI's Joanne Keane (pictured left with Mary Torsney at the 2025 One Act Finals in Tubbercurry) has taken over the role of ADCI/DLI Joint Committee (6&6) Secretary from Mary Torsney ADCI.
Joanne has already contacted the One Act Festivals to send their festival dates, contact details, venue and adjudicators to her by Monday 1st June.
However, JUST in case there are any that were missed, or changed their email addresses, this message is circulating a call for those details!
 More news on the 2026 circuit in upcoming newsletters.
You can check out the rules of the competition:
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Ollie Kenny, Backstage TG Longford pays tribute to his longstanding fellow group member:
 On April 20th this year we lost one of our leading lights in Backstage Theatre Group, Gus Hanley. Gus was a founder member of our group, and was involved with Longford Dramatic Society prior to that, as well as being responsible for getting St. Mel's Musical Society back up and running in the 1970's. Whilst he starred in many musicals, his love of drama shone through for most of his life. He won numerous awards on the one act and full length circuits culminating in a best supporting actor for his portrayal of Mush in 1990 in our production of A Whistle in the Dark in Athlone. He was an accomplished director also, bringing four of his productions to the All Ireland One Act Finals, winning with Small Box Psychosis by Barry McKinley in 2009. His local productions were legendary, and he always tried to get as many people on the stage as possible - whether they were in the script or not! Most of all, he was very supportive, kind and gentle with fellow actors and cast members. He was an avid summer school attendee and the stories of the revelry in Gormanston in his time there are still being talked about. He also penned many articles for the ADL newsletter under the pseudonym of 'The Bean', and we'll say no more about that!
His life was gentle, and the elements
So mixed in him that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world 'This was a man!'
RIP Gus.
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SUMMER ACTING COURSE in KILLARNEY
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 Join West End House School of Arts this July for a five-day conservatory-style intensive, designed for actors with some experience who are ready to deepen their craft in a focused, collaborative environment. Participants will train daily in movement, voice, and text, applying a variety of foundational techniques directly to scene work each afternoon. Participants will be introduced to a variety of theatrical disciplines, including Michael Chekov, Lecoq-inspired physical work, Suzuki movement, Viewpoints, and much more. Take part in this joyful and creatively energising week where you will reconnect with your imagination and take artistic risks with a close-knit ensemble of like-minded creatives!
When: July 13 - 17, 10am - 5pm each day
Where: West End House School of Arts, Killarney
Fee: 420 EUR
Accommodation
Half-board accommodation (bed, breakfast and dinner) is available with our home-stay partners for four nights (July 13 – 17th) for an additional cost of 200 EUR. Home-stays are organized through a third party and must be reserved by 15th June.
Our Tutors
Jesmille Darbouze Smith – Broadway, film, and television actor whose credits include A Doll’s House (with Jessica Chastain), Betrayal, and Kiss Me, Kate. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, her work spans classical and contemporary theatre, alongside screen appearances on NBC, Netflix, and Hallmark. Currently an Assistant Professor of Acting at Marymount Manhattan College.
Matthew Mastromatteo – New York–based actor, director, intimacy director, and educator specializing in integrated voice, movement, and acting training. Faculty at Marymount Manhattan College and Sarah Lawrence College, and a certified Miller Voice Method teacher.
For questions, or more information, please email info@westendhouse.ie or call us at + 353 (0) 87 13 77 196.
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LORD ARTHUR SAVILE'S CRIME
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