Address by Brian Merriman, Artistic Director of the Fourth International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival at the launch of the 2007 festival Programme in the Project Arts Centre Dublin 2 on Monday April 2nd 2007.

Honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to present the fourth programme of the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival today. I am very grateful for the honour our special guest, Adrian Dunbar bestowed on us in being present today. I wish him well in his endeavours to make a film about James Connolly – another part of our history that needs to be shared with a changing Ireland.

This innovative and unique theatrical event has, in a very short time, embedded itself into the Irish cultural calendar. It has reached out across five continents to give a space to a voice that has struggled to be heard and is still not heard in many other countries today. The fact that we in Ireland can hear that voice further contributes to the real meaning of diversity in expression, perspective and experience in the arts in Ireland.

Submissions

We were overwhelmed with the calibre and breadth of the applications this year and we are very grateful to all who submitted their excellent work. 101 playwrights and production companies submitted works this year from the USA, UK, Spain, Italy, Jersey, Ukraine, Australia, Canada, Ghana, South Africa, Iran and Cork. This is not as a result of a major marketing campaign by the Festival, we can’t afford that. I can only surmise that it results from the work we have done to date, the standards achieved, the warm welcome and cooperation given to our visitors to date, and the real need for all voices to be heard in the arts, that this event has inspired many an artistic imagination at home and abroad.

I am also pleased to include this ambitious event as part of the vibrant Irish gay calendar. It is not the responsibility of the commercial gay scene to fully reflect gay life. They run commercial enterprises to make a profit, to pay their staff, and to do other things like share a little of it with us and groups like us – for that we are very grateful. I am pleased to acknowledge their support in adding to the breadth and range of entertainment available to gay people, and indeed to everyone, by including this Festival on the list of activities they generously support.

I am also pleased that these venues are opening up to allow theatre inside, in an extensive programme of free theatre, made possible by the generosity of venues, actors and playwrights themselves.

Gay Rights Debate

Ireland decriminalised homosexuality in 1993. It has also introduced some laws to protect all people from discrimination including gay people. Yet in 2007, we still live in a country with a constitutional ban on marriage for all its citizens, a society that is complacent with the lack of protection for children of gay people. We have very few more rights than we had a decade ago.

One of the reasons we have a Gay Theatre Festival is to unwrap the seclusion and exclusion of gay life, which has remained obscured from public view for centuries in Ireland. Such ongoing exclusion accommodates the notion, that prohibiting loving couples from formalising their relationship, in some way enriches a democratic society or underpins moral or religious values. This perspective ensures that differences are created and maintained, in order to diminish the value of specific decent lifestyles.

Theatre challenged this misconstruction in the past, when being Irish was accorded a lesser status according to our then Imperial masters. I hope that gay theatre will contribute something similar for gay people and their many friends today.

The Festival will not only entertain our audiences but may also inform them and equip them to contribute knowledgeably to the rights debate. In 2007, our Parliament could not avail of a recent opportunity to finally and fairly redress injustice in marriage rights, as societies strive to insist that difference justifies discrimination and a lesser form of human rights. Those lesser rights are then used to justify the difference. In formulating this programme, this year, we are presenting amongst other subjects, a perspective on love and marriage, to entertain and to inform. 

As always the pressure on gay people to defend themselves in public, in order to bring about a broader perspective of human rights, is never ending. I am delighted that one of our primary charitable activities the Mr Gay Ireland competition, whose current winner Greg Joynt is here today, also benefited the KAL campaign, which is challenging an aspect of this inequity in the Courts. The Theatre Festival’s involvement with Mr Gay Ireland has benefited many groups especially those raising funds for HIV/Aids organisations. It will support this great cause on an almost exclusive basis in the future.

It is timely that we continue to challenge stereotypes used to demean our capacity to love and cherish each other. We must not allow the stereotypes, developed at a time when it was essential to justify a difference in treatment, by creating a difference in status, to continue to prevail in our society, if we believe in a pluralistic democracy. We must present our life and culture for what it is, to the widest possible audience, in the most accessible way, in a variety of programmes, accessible to many, hence the excellent value on admission prices.

Let us not do what has been done before – there is space for truth in the arts – so we must strive for a complete perspective on gay life that shows the whole gamut of gay society, not as dictated by the negative stereotypes of others, but by the diversity and intellectual richness of this community and those who know and respect us.

There are those who wish to continue to conceal our existence with the trite remark ‘you are all legal now, what’s the problem’? That problem is even presented to us by gay artists who have not yet the confidence to place their total and complete identity in their work. One of our greatest gay artists was supremely and deservedly honoured in the State recently – what an exceptional role model that would be for us – if the artist’s complete identity could be comfortably and respectfully acknowledged. I hope this event also assists in the self esteem and confidence building necessary to overcome any internalised homophobia still evident in the Irish gay and artistic community.

The rights struggle continues, standards driven cultural expression enriches the rights debate, removing prejudice, discrimination and harassment through information, respect and understanding, enriching a rights based pluralist democracy.

Gay People in Irish Theatre

If you asked many people what are the stereotypical ‘gay careers’ they would possibly answer hairdressing, ‘trolley dollies’ and the theatre. Yet our gay theatrical history is almost invisible. If gay artists were excellent, and many are, then they were claimed as Irish not as gay. Did an Irish play pack the Abbey all summer or did a gay play…or is it an Irish gay play? Didn’t women have to be excellent in order to be equal? That is still the lot of those who pursue equal rights.

We honour Oscar Wilde with this festival and I am delighted to see his work on the programme, both from a young people’s perspective and from an international perspective from Kiev. Hilton Edwards and Michael Mc Liammoir are also honoured in our few awards. They certainly brought the notion of ‘male partnership’ into Irish discourse, though in those days it was the business element of their joint work that primarily allowed people to give the lifelong relationship some recognition.

The absence, or the difficulty to trace, other gay contributions to the Irish arts scene, is a symptom of the Ireland of concealment that so suited religious and political agendas in the previous centuries. We also honour erstwhile drama lecturer in St Patrick’s Training College Dr. Aiden Rogers with our keynote seminar address on Michael Mac Liammoir, to be delivered this year by Dr. Eibhear Walshe from UCC.

Patrick Murray Award

This year, on learning of the sudden passing of one of our great gay Irish set designers, dance advocate, former member of the Arts Council and true son of Cork, Patrick Murray, we decided to record his immense contribution to the arts publicly and in a context he would have approved. Pat was a giant in Irish theatre and was known and loved equally for his creative genius as he was for his artistic generosity. I am delighted to acknowledge the support of the Labour Party to inaugurate the annual Patrick Murray award for outstanding contribution to Irish gay theatre for the first time this year. It is wholly fitting to have their support considering his service to the party not just in the magnificent conference platforms designed, but also in their sponsoring of the recent Civil Unions Bill, scuppered in the Dail last month. I am delighted to unveil a piece of Tipperary Crystal as the perpetual trophy to be presented in his honour and to gratefully acknowledge Tipperary Crystal’s effort and generosity in getting this to us today.

Irish Arts Policy and Diversity

Gay people, as a newly liberated community, have a chance to and an opportunity to show ourselves for who we are and all the diversity that exists within our gay tribe. Theatre is a very accessible forum in which to do this. You can present what you wish, an audience can choose to attend, we dim the lights and you can take in what you want, uninterrupted, for an hour or two. You will be entertained, you may learn, enjoy, connect, relax, laugh, cry, be reassured, enlightened or just survive it!

Your thoughts are your own and you have the freedom to bring as much or as little as you wish from the theatre into your own life. This Gay Theatre Festival is as liberating as that. It is not happening elsewhere in the world in such a specific format. It is driven by strong artistic standards and goals. Your presence today, much appreciated, acknowledges that and we thank you for this important recognition.

Once again, those who advise on and decide our national arts policy, on a professional basis, can not see how this fits into a changing Ireland and why it should be supported. I note from the recent High Court case that even beggars have had their constitutional right to communicate and express themselves, vindicated by the State. We are still struggling with the national arts organisations to be heard.

Let me assure you we have been listened to, even agreed with, but the final written recommendation to Council always falls short. Of the 500 performances staged to date in the Festival, within a stones throw of their offices, not a single representative of the Arts Council has attended a play. What a fantastic informed insight the Council has to rely upon to formulate an Irish arts policy particularly in our unique area? They topped the list of unavailability for this event today.

Diversity in the arts appears to be limited to the same types of people, from the same social background, who happen to have a different specialism in the arts. It’s the same people slicing the cake, on the basis of the diversity in the art form, rather than on diversity in the artists. I know we already comply with the basis of the artistic standards rightly expected. State support is as yet unattained by the voices that have an equal right to be heard and to be represented in a taxpayers supported arts policy. It is astounding that the Arts Council is one of the very few bodies distributing taxpayers money that is allowed explain itself and its decisions, on the basis of the right to exercise its own discretion.

Does the current policy, which excludes all visible forms of gay artistry and many others, truly reflect the many diverse and rich cultural infusions in our new society, or is it just reflecting the output of those locked into artistic debate with the same white middle class people, year in year out?

Is diversity merely a difference in the geographical location of the same type of event or programme, or at best the visible difference – like colour or language? Diversity is much more than that…is it a wonder in a very diverse Ireland that the arts, in a time when everything else is booming, is shrinking in its audience and appeal?

This is well reflected in the fact that the arts are loosing out heavily in the audience ratings war between our national broadcaster and its rivals. Soon all arts programmes will be battling for the 3AM broadcasting slot with Oireachtas Report. Judging by the level of acting, I witnessed in the recent debate on civil unions, we may well have to settled for an even later time slot!

In Ireland today we need to identify and support new forms of artistic expression that reflect Ireland, a step beyond the old repertoire, done by the heavily long term grant aided arts institutions. That too does have an earned space, but the future is also with the new voices in our changing dynamic new multicultural society. No matter how many times that door is closed - we will be heard. It might be timely for them to appoint an Arts Diversity Officer, at a senior level, who actually understands the concept – perhaps they might welcome my application?

Or another reason for the lack of funding was offered by our friend Jack Gilligan last year, who noted that John and I dressed so well that we look like we couldn’t possibly need a grant – so if you don’t like the outfits this year – its either Jack Gilligan’s fault…or the result of our fourth consecutive year without any national arts support.

Sadly, this is our last year in Andrews Lane – in the 1960s we had more theatre seats per head of population than any other city in Europe. In a booming economy today, the theatrical community is struggling to fill the very few 75 seater theatres left in this capital city, as the two or three big venues left have turned into rock venues and concert arenas.

Liberty Hall Theatre is next to go, I believe. The property developer is ripping the culture out of this city…and is being given free reign….and yet there has never been more money available to support the arts…? Who on earth is making these decisions and who is gaining from them?

International Perspective

We are being heard in 5 continents, in the embassies and arts organisations in 5 continents, in production companies in 5 continents, in the output of playwrights in 5 continents, in our own city through Dublin City Council and Dublin Tourism, just… not in the national arts organisation.

Happily this lack of perspective, as to who makes up this nation, does not exist elsewhere. Our participating companies have been aided by their own cultural institutions in every country, except Ireland. These institutions examine our track record and our output, our standards and recognise its value. They offer financial support to people in their own country to travel to Ireland to participate in this unique event, in the birthplace of Oscar Wilde.

They clearly see the value of this event…even from such a distance, many even travel to attend and learn more, and we gratefully acknowledge that. Such interaction enriches our work, and our arts landscape, in so many ways. 

In finding ourselves once again without State assistance, this has impacted on our ability to produce even higher standards of work from more diverse regions. We had five applications from Australia this year and even with modest support, some would be on our programme today. I say modest, because the commitment of all the participating companies is the main driving force for their participation in this unique event.

They see the dynamic, appreciate the standards, are excited by the intercultural learning and networking, are open to new perspectives, are inspired by new writing, informed by our educational programme, and appreciated by our audiences. 

Volunteerism and Active Citizenship

But there is more to it than that. The current political system is now focussing on another community crisis – the lack of volunteerism in our gridlocked, over litigated, anti-male volunteer, over insured society. We buck that trend. The vast majority of the people who are the lifeblood of this event are, or were, not theatrical people. They were excellent professionals who saw the need for, and subscribed to, the objectives and potential of this ambitious event.

The work and generosity of the Executive Committee year round ranging from our gifted designer Paul O Connor, our webmasters Chris and Danny from Queerid, Thomas our dvd maker, our technical directors Eddie and Vickey, Our Fundraiser Gary, Our volunteers coordinator Gareth and our bedrock, our administrative supremo, John Pickering, tells me far more clearly than the few grant rejection letters, that this is a worthwhile, radical and valid artistic event.

The numbers of volunteers who give up six weeks of their time in an age where volunteering is in crisis, to make this event a success, is inspiring and we are truly grateful to you all. From tonight they will heading out onto the streets accosting people (This is turning in to an ard fheis!) with our brochures and building our audience which has grown by 50% year on year.

It is in their defence, that I reject the exclusionary attitudes of some of those in the arts, who still look into their own hearts and see Ireland – In this festival we open our eyes and our minds and see Ireland and all who make a contribution to it, including the gay community, and through this event, our vigorous and inspiring partnership with the arts community. 

Our Supporters

The numbers of people being brought into a theatre for the first time tells me its worthwhile, the amount of tourists who visit and attend makes this worthwhile, the interaction, learning and partnership with established Irish companies, Festivals like Edinburgh, Buxton, venues like The Project, Smock Alley, the New Theatre, the Teachers Club, Cobalt Café, Andrews Lane,Temple Bar Music Centre, the Belltable, Artists like our esteemed special guest Adrian Dunbar, writers like our patron Emma Donoghue, Politicians like our patron David Norris and our supporters in the Labour Party, Our host last year, then Lord Mayor Cllr Catherine Byrne, the Fringe Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival, ALAF, The Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Pride, Dublin City Council, Failte Ireland, Dublin Tourism, Temple Bar…the list goes on – you are here, The British Council has been here, The Governor of Illinois Arts Fund is here, the Artscape Writing programme from Cape Town is here, The Kiev Arts Festival is here, the gay community bars and venues are here, Third level institutions are here, young people, older people, straight people, gay people, Irish and many other nationalities are here, playwrights, technicians and actors are here…the Irish Arts bodies are not.

Most importantly, we are here and are here to stay. We will drive forward this event because we have something of value to give to the arts, to our living, diverse democracy, to our own community, to the society in which we contribute an enormous amount to, and to you. We do so out of a passion, a commitment and a drive that would infuse and reenergise many an arts event. We have reached out way beyond our country and our community and we have inspired an international response to which we have spared no physical effort to accommodate. That is art, this is a living culture and this is a culture that we will bring people together to define and to present gay theatre in the years to come. 

2008

Next year’s Festival will be held from May 5th to 18th inclusive and if you are not all exhausted by this year’s programme, we will be happy to welcome you again for another celebration of diversity and quality in the arts, and hopefully you will be spared another arts council rant!

2007 Programme

The programme for the Fourth International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival is one designed to appeal to people, regardless of their sexuality, because it is based on our founding principle – that of presenting good theatre.

This year we have comedy, gripping drama, musical theatre, cabaret, foreign language theatre (Russian), one act plays, one actor plays, a programme of very short theatre pieces, large cast productions, world premieres, European premieres and Irish premieres, new playwriting – proportionally the highest of any festival or similar event in the country, theatre of interest to young people, straight people, gay people, women, academics and those who enjoy a good night out! We have the first transgendered performance piece in the Festival. We have over 15,000 brochures and we will hand deliver every one!

We have early shows and late shows from 3pm, 4.30. 6.30, 8, 9.30 and 11pm. We have accessible theatre prices, we have free theatre in the community, we have an academic gathering in Trinity College, we have a walk through billboard, we have a launch party, a nightly festival Club and a wrap party!

We have 171 performances of plays or events, by over 150 actors from Ireland and abroad. We will have at least six performances on each of 16 nights of the Festival and a Festival Club in the Dragon later.

We have straight men playing gay roles, gay men playing straight roles, gay playwrights writing about straight life, straight playwrights writing about gay life, International writers writing about Ireland, Irish writers writing about other societies, young people performing, older people performing, international people performing and volunteering, artistic directors of other theatre Festivals venues and events attending from home and abroad, people in dialogue, making new contacts and friends, creating new production companies, casting new plays, encouraging to stage their work again in other venues, friendships made, stories told, a community given a voice and an audience hugely entertained.

On stage you will meet old people, young people, parents, children, prostitutes, rent boys, naked men, naked women, gaydar diarists, divas, beauty queens, singers, dancers, kidnappers, musicians, telephone sex line hosts, men with small appendages, suicide victims, servants, aunts, cousins, bunburyists, sons, daughters, lovers, liars, feminists, wives, husbands, partners, historical people, ordinary people, cheaters, clients, students, black people, people with disabilities, foreigners, married people, single people, available people, volunteers, naked singers, clothed singers, professionals, amateur enthusiasts, academics, politicians, actors, abductees, transgendered people, university students, playwrights, wannabes, experts, and ordinary people and of course, your friends, neighbours and family. 

This programme is just an indication of our commitment to identifying, developing and presenting gay theatre. We are proudly claiming our arts heritage and acknowledging our past by ensuring our future. This is only the beginning of an innovative, international, creative arts partnership, centred in Dublin. Everyone else is on board - its time the arts bodies woke up and smelled the green carnations!

We have done our homework, the companies are in their final rehearsal stages, the venues are ready, the lines are learned, the pianos are tuned, the make up applied, the costumes pressed, the lighting rigged, the sound is audible…now all we need is an audience.

You can join our team of volunteers, some of whom are travelling from England and Israel to help out, who have the next four weeks to get the word out, about this dynamic and highly entertaining theatre event.

Help us now to get an even bigger audience this year – the standards warrant it, the companies need it, the effort deserves it! Set an example by booking many plays yourselves and getting your friends to join you. Make a contribution by becoming a friend, supporter or a member of the director’s circle tonight.

We want to see an audience as big as the commitment our companies and our volunteers are making. We want to welcome an audience as diverse as the programme is and as those who are producing and performing it are. You can make an advance reservation on our website www.gaytheatre.ie or on www.queerid.com which will also post daily reviews of the plays.

This is a Festival about a community you find not only in Dublin, Ireland and in every country in the world – it is about a community who are part of your families, your neighbourhoods, your customer base, your fellow citizens and your life. It is a voice that will be heard – all voices enrich a pluralist democracy.

Ladies and Gentlemen on behalf of the most wonderful group of talented and generous artists, writers and volunteers, I present this programme to you and urge you now to play your part in building this innovative, radical and unique theatrical event.