exhibitionS
Kerry’s Amateur Dramatic Heritage
DISCOVER
Exhibition Details
In the aftermath of the Civil War communities in the newly-formed Free State turned to amateur drama, to develop some semblance of social re-invigoration. From the 1930s onwards, amateur drama became the only means of social entertainment given the Lenten ban on dancing and the cinema, as these activities were deemed immoral by the Church. Communities resolved to find some activity and turned in their hoards to am dram. From the 1940s onwards, amateur drama fast become one of the most popular social activities, second only to the GAA.
Co. Kerry boasts a rich tradition of amateur drama and it is a history that is fast disappearing and is an unjustly neglected aspect of Irish cultural history.
VISIT
Raising the Curtain on Amateur Dramatic Heritage
Kerry Writers’ Museum, Listowel, Co. Kerry is leading a project called, Raising the Curtain on Amateur Dramatic Heritage, to begin to research and document amateur drama’s history in Kerry.
The overall aims of the project are:
- To locate memorabilia such as programmes, photos, scripts, etc., that people may still have at home.
- To interview people across the county regarding their memories of involvement in amateur drama.
- To catalogue the existing amateur drama archival collection at the Kerry Writers’ Museum.
The project is supported by the Heritage Council Community Funding Scheme and Regional Museums’ Scheme. If you believe you can contribute photos, scripts, programmes, posters stories, of amateur drama in Ireland please contact us.
EXPLORE
Kerry’s Amateur Dramatic Heritage
VISIT
Gallery
REVIEWS
What people are saying about us
Popped in here to escape the rain and get a cup of tea and cake. Very reasonable prices and great service. Then noticed the little hare jumping around on the wall when I used the toilets! Looked very intriguing and prompted us all to buy tickets to the museum. Wow! So worth it as the exhibits and the way it was presented was lovely, really unusual. So informative and so different to other museums. Really good value for money and a real highlight to the town.
Great Service (Trip Advisor Review)
– March, 2023
Most impressive is how ingrained in both The Creative & local communities The Seanchaí is, from the workshops, coffee mornings & plain old drop ins, To Book launches, poetry recitals, projects & engagements with the local schools. The Seanchaí is a much loved and universally treasured cultural icon. By the inhabitants of Listowel, most of Co. Kerry and West Limerick.
Mark Ollerhead (Google Review)
– March, 2023
We had requested the 30-minute tour, but happily lingered for an hour longer than we had planned. As we exited, we looked at each other and laughed out loud at our good fortune. We could have so easily missed this experience that left us feeling moved, intrigued and a bit more educated about the Kerry writers. In our delight, we failed to tip our guide but I will be going to your donations page to make a modest pledge in gratitude for our host whose name we did not record to memory.
Jane Braswell (Google Review)
– March, 2023
Our visit to the Kerry Writers Museum was a very memorable experience from beginning to end. Cara, who was working at the centre that day, was very welcoming and most helpful. The exhibition of the Kerry writers was imaginative and most engaging. The seanchai relating the background stories each writer was magic! A wonderful experience all round.
Cara (Google Review)
– May, 2021
This museum has been developed with great care and meticulous attention to detail. The audio elements are matched perfectly to the installations which are beautifully presented. The option to activate the audio guides in each room without resorting to the use of handheld devices worked very well. This is a must see/hear for anyone with an interest in Irish writing. There is also a little coffee shop and gifts on sale.
Beautifully Curated (Trip Advisor Review)
– July, 2019