Speaker’s Corner
PAT McGOVERN
Ballinrobe Musical Society was founded in 1944. Since then, the town has become synonymous with its long and proud tradition of musical theatre. The society sees as one of its primary functions the exposition of as many people as possible to the joys of musical theatre. We would like to think that we have made it fashionable for people of all ages in our community to express themselves through the wonderful medium of music, song and dance. Talent should always be exposed. Benjamin Franklin once wisely said: “Hide not your talents - they for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?” For us, the more who sing the sweeter the sound. The importance of making music in this humdrum world that we live in can never be underestimated. The dark side of humanity is so evident all around us in contemporary life that we need to remember that our nature is predominantly distinguished by capacities and dispositions which are joyful, gracious and giving.
These heroic and un-heralded qualities are everywhere to be seen around Ballinrobe as the diverse strands of a community apply their various skills and talents to present an annual musical. The concentration of effort, generosity of spirit and unity of purpose, which is so evident in the weeks leading up to a show, are always inspiring and uplifting. If we could harness this good-natured, joyful enthusiasm on a more regular basis, nothing for us would be beyond the pale of possibility.
A live musical experience is without doubt the purest form of entertainment’s many mediums. Amateur societies, such as our own, play a crucial role in discovering, nurturing and developing the musical and theatrical talents of countless fledgling stars around the country. We give generously of our time and efforts because we love music as an art form, and we love to perform and entertain. The fact that we do so freely is the truest and purist expression of that love.
It is a great bone of contention with amateur musical societies that, despite constant lobbying, the Arts Council of Ireland continually refuse to recognise or support in any way the huge contribution that we make to music and the arts. They do so on the grounds that our status is amateur, ie we are not paid professionals.
Our choreographers, producers, musical directors, lighting and sound technicians, orchestra, costumers etc all make a living from what they do, but because those who tread the boards and provide entertainment of the highest calibre do so out of a deep love, they are militated against. We would vehemently argue that our efforts are equal to those who are paid to entertain. In rural communities we are providing live musical theatre which otherwise would be inaccessible to many. We play a vital role in spawning the stars of tomorrow. Our efforts are wrapped with the utmost care and love. With escalating production costs, it is becoming increasingly difficult to present our shows to the standards which we aspire to. We are proud of our amateur ethos and will continue to reach for the lofty heights of perfection with professional presentations such as ‘Ragtime The Musical’ and our next mammoth undertaking ‘Titanic, The Musical’. We want no more than to be as good as we possibly can be. We should not be constrained in the pursuit of this objective. It is, we believe, high time that somebody in authority put his or her ear to the ground and realised where the heart beats.
As we look confidently to the future let us all together, cradle this beautiful musical legacy, which we have inherited and which is so much part of what and who we are. We are an important strand in the social fabric of our community. We can only implore that some day the Arts Council Of Ireland will recognise this fact and acknowledge our valiant efforts.
Pat McGovern is Chairman of Ballinrobe Musical Society, which collected a prestigious AIMS award two weeks ago in Killarney for the Best Programme.
