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Newpoint Players have had a momentous year of success in the world of drama. The production of Samuel Beckett’s “Happy Days” won accolades at A.D.C.I. and A.U.D.F. festivals all over Ireland. Treasa Davey who took on the role of Winnie, the central character, won Best Actress Awards in all but one of the festivals where the group appeared. Director Sean Treanor and Donal O’Hanlon, in the role of Willie, also had their share of recognition.
The final performance of the ‘run’ was at the British Drama Finals held in the Albany Theatre in Coventry. Once again, the Newpoint show was honoured with the award for Best Overall Production and once again Treasa was awarded the Best Actor Award. (There was no distinction made between actors and actresses at the Coventry finals). This is the first time that any local group has such a prestigious National and International award.
Chairman of Newpoint Players, Donal O’Hanlon, when interviewed, was suitably pleased to have represented South Down and South Armagh and the drama fraternity in Ireland to such acclaim. Donal spoke warmly of the loyal support of those who have encouraged their work by attending performances and those who have given financial support. He made special mention of the Eliot Trainor Partnership who have been a main sponsor for many years.
Seán Treanor pointed out that he had wanted to direct “Happy Days” for at least a decade and that he had asked Treasa if she might consider the very daunting role of Winnie. That was at least 8-10 years ago and Treasa was the only actress he knew who would have the courage and the skill to attempt such a huge and complicated role. Sean was delighted when, in September last, Treasa agreed to set about one of the most challenging roles in drama. Seán felt that Donal was an obvious choice for the role of Willie, at once a comic and tragic character, who is for the most part is unseen in the show, but whose interjections are vital and have to be timed to perfection. For Sean, the final scene with Willie trying in vain to reach out to his wife Winnie, and Winnie unable to move towards him, will long remain in the mind’s eye of all who saw the play.
The director was also keen to emphasise that, though this play involved quite a small team, the backstage department were dedicated and each brought their talents to guarantee success. Not least was the contribution of Sean’s assistant director Pauline Lynch, who brings a wealth of experience and an acute sense of theatre to any show. Technical and lighting expertise was provided by Declan McConaghy, who at various times was helped by Mark Hughes and Anthony Fitzpatrick. A huge contribution was made by the set builder and designer Tom Carvill, who with Sean T. spent many weeks perfecting the mound of sand required for the show. The sand was hessian but almost every audience member thought that they were seeing sand. Tom was, as ever, in charge of transport all over Ireland and to Coventry. Leo Hayes was on hand for most shows and he made a particularly important contribution to the installation of cyc. and drapes.
Newpoint Secretary Kate O’Hanlon, Seán McDonald and the members of the Newpoint committee all made a contribution to the success of the show. Always in the background has been Mary Goss who provides storage, and Carrickcruppen GAA who have often provided ‘emergency rehearsal space’. Sean Treanor said that rarely has a team of actors and their backstage supporters worked so efficiently and with so little pre-show drama, no matter how brief the time allocated for preparing a show. Most of all, the “Happy Days” team enjoyed their work and deserve to celebrate the success which has come as a result of their dedication.
