Tributes paid on the passing of leading Drama figure

TRIBUTES have been paid to to the late Joan Fitzpatrick who was one of the longest serving members of Sligo Drama Circle.

“Joan will be fondly remembered by all those in the dramatic community in Sligo for her wonderful contribution to the development of drama and theatre in Sligo. She will be particularly remembered as an actress, singer and director.

“Members of Sligo Drama Circle will remember her fondly as an actress, director, committee member, colleague and friend. Sligo audiences will especially remember her great characterisations on stage and the many wonderful productions that she directed with such expertise and aplomb,” said a statement on the Facebook page of the Drama Circle.

The late Mrs Fitzpatrick (nee Burnside) passed away at Summerville Healthcare, Strandhill after a long illness.

Dearly loved wife of the late Eddie and mother of Jane Martin (California), Michelle Bush (London), Robert (Sligo) and Brian ( Wales). She is also survived by her brothers John and Robert and extended family.

Removal took place on Monday to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, for Mass of the Resurrection at 11.30am. Burial followed in Sligo Cemetery.

Joan started her Drama Circle journey with a role in “God’s Gentry” in 1959 and was involved in innumerable productions until her final involvement in its production of “Moll” in 2013.

Joan gave many outstanding performances on various Sligo stages as a member of the Sligo Drama Circle for more than half a century: Lady Alice Moore in “A Man For All Seasons” (1978); Golde in “Fiddler on the Roof ” (1979); Aunt Eller in “Oklahoma” (1976); Mary Magdalene in “The Man Born to be King” (1971); the Widow Quinn in the award-winning production of “The Playboy of the Western World” (1967) and also (1975); Stella in the All-Ireland winning production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1970); Amanda in “The Glass Menagerie” (1969); Elizabeth Proctor in “The Crucible” (1972); Nell in “Endgame (1980).

Over the years, Joan directed numerous memorable productions for the Drama Circle, many of these for the Hawk’s Well Theatre, which she and her late husband Eddie campaigned for in the 1970s, including: “Blithe Spirit” (1993); “Guys and Dolls” (1984); “The Odd Couple” (2001); “Oliver” (1987); “A Streetcar Named Desire” (2004); “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” (2005); “Charley’s Aunt” (2002); “The Sunshine Boys” (2006); and her final stint as Director was a revival of “The Odd Couple” (2012).

Joan even made it onto the big screen playing the part of Mrs. Coulter in the 2001 movie “Mapmaker“.

Joan also had a career in teaching speech and drama from her, either through her drama school or in many of the schools in which she worked.

“She prepared many children and young people for plays, poetry and Feis performances as well as preparing them for their drama exams. This was her life’s work to which she devoted all of her energy, enthusiasm and dramatic knowledge and experience.

“However, Sligo Drama Circle was her second home as it brought her nearer to the stage. If she wasn’t giving one of her memorable performances on stage, she was probably sitting in the Director’s chair, imparting her knowledge and expertise.

“To those of us who came into contact with her through the Drama Circle, Joan shared her passion and her vast theatrical experience. Although we are an amateur group, Joan instilled in us the belief that we could aspire to the highest of professional standards.

“Joan pushed the boundaries, dramatically speaking, to bring something fresh to a performance or a scene. A look, a pause, a change of pace, a stance could be the difference in transforming a scene from a good one to a memorable one.

“We always understood that Joan had high expectations for a production and those same expectations became a shared goal for all involved in a production, cast and crew.

“We fondly remember Joan and thank her for the great dramatic and theatrical legacy that she has left us.

“Her presence around our rehearsal space in the Market Yard will be sorely missed but never be forgotten, as images of her varied characters are contained in our permanent photographic exhibition.,” said the statement.