Schenectady, N.Y. (October 23, 2001) – Des, a play
inspired by the life of Father Desmond Wilson, a man who became the center point of a controversy between the Catholic Church and the people of Ballymurphy, Northern Ireland during the 1970s, will be performed at Union College's Yulman Theater on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 8 p.m.
Des Wilson was born in South Belfast in 1925. After finishing studying for the priesthood at Maynooth he became the spiritual director for the young men of
St. Malachy's. In 1966, at the age of 41, Father Des was sent to St. John's
parish in West Belfast as a Junior Curate. Three years later, the Troubles began and did not finish until 1979. Father Des wanted to bring Belfast's
social world into the heart of Ballymurphy. The play follows his struggles starting in 1966, when he was sent to St. John's, to the end of these violent
years.
Throughout his life with the Ballymurphy community he was the leader, along with influential figures such as Frank Cahill, of a movement that brought about the growth of an entire community through education, self-empowerment, and self-belief.
Dubbeljoint Productions brings Des to the United States for a limited engagement; starring Irish
actor Jim Doran, written by Brian Campbell, and directed by Pam Brighton Des has been described by the Irish Times as “A gripping evening…it will provoke outrage in some and enthusiastic support in others – and what more can we ask of theatre than that it should evoke strong feelings?” Marie Jones, Pam
Brighton and Mark Lambert, who wanted to create plays that would be of interest throughout Ireland and make that work accessible to as many people as possible, formed Dubbeljoint in 1991. Jim Doran, whose performance has been described as an “absorbing social history” by the Belfast Telegraph, takes on the
challenge of this one-man production, portraying not only Des Wilson, but also
those around him.
Union College alumnus Arthur McCabe, class of 1969, has been active in bringing Community Theater, from
Northern Ireland, to the United States for five years. He believes that both
the community-based vehicle and message are important to bring to students.
This performance is made possible thanks to his efforts.
This production is free and
open to the public. For more information about the performance, or student sessions, call Professor Bill Finlay, Union College Dept. of Performing Arts, at 388-6475. To speak to Arthur McCabe, Union College Class of '69, call (978) 470-0200.