A Profile of Joe Dowling
By 'Deagidn O 'Connacfitdin
'You can't take it with you" marks the welcome return of director Joe Dowling to the Abbey. Since his departure in 1985 Joe has reintroduced drama onto the Gaiety stage. Among the many acclaimed productions to his credit to date are "Bor­stal Boy", with Niall Toibin in the title role, "John Bull's Other Island" with stage giant Cyril Cusack, his internationally ac­claimed production of "Juno and the Pay-cock" with Donal McCann, Geraldine Plunkett and John Kavanagh. That pro­duction also saw the welcome, and long awaited return of Maureen Potter in the role of Mrs Madigan. In recent years Joe has been closely asso­ciated with the works of Brian Friel, hav­ing directed seven of his plays. The Gate theatre saw a marvellous interpretation of "Twelfth Night",as well as "Blith Spirit".
In 1986, Joe founded The Gaiety School of Acting of which he remains director. His position at The Gaiety is that of Artistic cjirector. Among the many actors and ac-tfessed Joghas directed are the late sorely
missed Ray McAnally, Niall Toibin, Dar-ragh Kelly, Siobhan McKenna, Cyril Cu­sack, Bernard Hughes (twice), Donal McCann, John Kavanagh, Phillip O'Flynn and Anita Reeves. Joe also di­rected the highly entertaining musical "One of our own" with Niall Buggy. Joe has continued the tradition of the Christmas Panto at The Gaiety with the Marvellous Anita Reeves usually head­ing the cast. Maureen Potter has now become assistant director. Joe also starred in and directed "A Day in the death of Joe Egg". Joe was also director of The Peacock Theatre from 1974 to 1976, before being replaced by his friend and fellow actor Patrick Laffan (Twelfth Night, You Can't Take It With You), who is also involved in The Gaiety School of Acting. In an interview with Stage and Screen, Actor Donal McCann said that Joe always got the mix right and one always felt totally secure in Joe's hands. Taking Joe's checkered career into con­sideration I'm not surprised. (Published "Orbit Feb 1990)