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This project “One Step Beyond” was first inspired when I attended a concert called “Celtic Spirituality” in the National Concert Hall on the 19th of April 1999. While at this concert I was very moved by a song written by Liam Lawton, and dedicated to Nano Nagle, the foundress of the Presentation congregation. The song alerted me to the fact that, having taught in a Presentation school for ten years, and observed the tireless work of the sisters in our school, that I knew very little about this woman, Nano Nagle, who was the reason why my school in Clondalkin and so many other schools nationwide, indeed, worldwide are in existence.
When a millennium group came together within the Presentation Congregation, I was asked to represent our school. Keeping in mind that it might be a good idea to build up the story of Nano Nagle around the song “One Step Beyond” which I had initially heard in the National Concert Hall, I read the book entitled One Pace Beyond by the late Sister Raphael Considine. So gripping was her story that it was a real driving force and inspiration for a special commemorative millennium celebration which was to follow.
I felt it was very important and valuable for students and teachers of Presentation schools to know about this valiant woman who was instrumental in the pioneering of Irish education. I also felt it would be imperative to show an appreciation of the legacy of Nano Nagle and the contribution of the Presentation congregation to the local community and indeed to their ongoing contribution to communities further afield, in particular the Third World.
Taking it one step further the book was adapted to devise a narrative. As soon as the narrative was intact, suitable songs chosen and practices arranged for musicians and singers a date was set for March 14th. The concert took place in the local Parish church which was artistically transformed into a spectacular venue that appealed to the wider Christian community.
This first performance of the concert was so successful that the local community and Sisters and friends of the Presentation congregation from various parts of the country requested a repeat performance. Much to the delight of all involved the second date was arranged for April 7th, and plans were once more in motion.
It was great to see the initial aims of this project - to create awareness, to foster creativity, to build the confidence, and to display the talents of the students - come to fruition so successfully. In addition we linked with other Presentation schools ( both primary and secondary ) and involved the greater community such as local businesses and Wheatfield prison (who provided sponsorship and printed the programme respectively).
To date this project has grown from strength to strength and this October will see the performance take to the stage in the National Concert Hall. It is hoped that we will launch an illustrative narrative of Nano’s life making her story more accessible to young people. We are also presently organising that six pupils from each Presentation school, coupled with one Sister, will sing in this concert and that many more students will enjoy and learn through the experience of the show.
This whole venture has been a very spiritual, cultural and artistically rewarding project for all concerned – Students, Teachers, Sisters, Musicians, Sound and Lighting Technicians, Costume Designers, Set Designers and the local community to name but a few.However, it is only a small effort to portray years of goodness and dedication which was the life of Nano Nagle.
Ms.Yvonne Crotty
(Concert Organiser)
If you wish to support this concert in any way, Please contact us at the following
Tel. 01-4591158
Fax. 01-4592998