On December 8, 2002, Milwaukee Irish Arts made a little bit of history in presenting ‘Last Epitaph of a Wise Man’ by our resident playwright, Dennis Regan at the All-Ireland One Act Drama Festival.  We are the first American group to be invited to participate in this prestigious event.  With generous support from the community, especially the Shamrock Club, our cast- Donte Fitzgerald, Kelly Smith, Keith Tamsett and Eamonn O’Neill, production manager- Kathy Radaj, and author- Dennis Regan traveled to the festival.  This is Dennis’s report of their experience.

If you’ve ever lived a fantastic dream you’ll know how the six of us feel about being a part of the All-Ireland One Act Drama Festival.  We were treated like V.I.P.s.  Graciousness and humor escorted our every experience.  None of this could have happened without the kindness of the Shamrock Club, the County Clare, the Smith family, the Cronin Family, and all the many friends that championed us to be there.

THERE was Virginia, County Cavan.  There; the talented Baileboro Drama Group hosted us.  There; eleven other exceptional one act performances were staged.  There; Alan Arkin’s ( yes, the American actor.) play Virtual Reality won the competition.  There; we ate, we drank, we laughed, we danced, we gave them our art.

It was the first time in the near forty-year history of the festival that an American troupe has been invited.  Bravo to Milwaukee Irish Arts!  The sculpted trophy we received will soon be displayed at the ICHC.  As guests of the festival, our play, Last Epitaph of a Wise Man was not included in the judging, but judging from the symphony of conversational cords it induced – it played successfully. 

For those of us who were there, we toast those who were our hosts.  For those who were so giving to get us there, our fond memories will always be a living toast to you.  TO YOU.  For us it was an Ode to Joy.

“Last Epitaph of a Wise Man” was performed for the Shamrock Club on February 22 at the ICHC.