Cork Profile
Marion Wyatt
When you were small, what did you want to be as a grown-up? When I was 6, I remember Mrs Eileen Nolan, founder of The Montfort School and Singers, coming to our school to teach elocution and I wanted to be like her. Then again, there was a beautiful, patient nun who taught me in first or second class and I also wanted to be like her, I wanted to be a nun for a few years. When I was 14, I directed a play for our local youth club as there was no one else to do it, I got a taste for directing then. I haven’t stopped since. Learning as I went along.
Tell us about your career progression to your role today: It would take far too long to write about my career progression, suffice to say I followed my dreams, enjoying a few detours along the way. My career path has been challenging and varied but always wonderful. No regrets. I worked hard and got a big break early. I was 25 or 26 when I secured my first professional directing contract. Generating my own opportunities and constantly knocking on doors was a normal part of my journey. It developed a resilience and resourcefulness within me which has stood to me throughout my 50 or more years in theatre. In 1988 I founded my own production company and theatre school. In 1998 I accepted a teaching position as course director for the theatre performance and production courses in CSN, College of Further Education. For almost 20 years I enjoyed a dual career as an educator and theatre producer/director. Since retiring I’ve focused on playwrighting and I continue to work with theatre groups, in a consultative capacity.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of what you do Everything. I wouldn’t do any of it if I didn’t enjoy it. Sure, at times it is stressful and can be crazy busy but that’s part of life and part of what makes the work I used to do and continue to do enjoyable. I have learned to say “no” now though, and also I surround myself with enthusiastic people.
What motivates you? To use my God given talents, develop new skills, to keep learning and to give things a go.
What advice would you give your 15 year old self? Keep attending your piano lessons and practice speaking Irish more.
If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing? Retired from the day job, so, as such, I’m no longer working but I do write, paint, bake, knit, gather oral histories, I’m currently writing a memoir and I lead groups in creative drama and creative writing workshops.
What is your greatest life or career achievement to date? Primarily my 3 adult children, Lloyd, Denise, and Steve. They truly are my life’s greatest achievement. Careerwise, it is the Cork Trilogy – 'Shawlies', 'Dockers', and 'Katty Barry, Queen of The Coal Quay'.
Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life? My parents, Eily and Ned. I was lucky to have been taught by great teachers in St Patrick’s Secondary School, Gardener’s Hill, Cork. We were provided with opportunities to visit concerts, exhibitions, and encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities. There were only 7 of us in fifth and sixth year, so we enjoyed almost one-on-one teaching. Michael McCarthy, RIP, of the Everyman, CCYMS and Fr Mathew Hall was an amazing mentor. There were so many that helped, inspired, and encouraged me over the years.
What is the life dream now? To continue creating, to continue sharing knowledge, to continue learning, to continue living each day to the best I can, in gratitude. To enjoy being part of the Not So Black & Wyatt Exhibition at the Black Market from Easter Monday.
To live to see my grandchildren follow their dreams.
How do you switch off? I enjoy swimming and going on long road trips. I switch off when painting, I enjoy chatting with family and friends over a long meal, it doesn’t need to be anything exotic or grand. I have been known to binge watch television series that grip me. Hours spent in a comfortable silence with my husband Denis rank highest of all though.
What is your favourite Cork memory? Waving from the top floor window in our home in Rocksprings Terrace opposite the Arbutus Lodge circa 1964. We were waving to our dad as he piloted the tug down the river. We were convinced we could see him waving back! I can still see those lights in my mind’s eye and hear him singing 'The Lights of the Harbour, Cork Harbour Lights'.
What is your favourite place in Cork? The top of the northside looking down the valley all the way to Blackrock Castle.
Do you have a favourite quote or motto? “Find the beauty in every day.”
When are you at your happiest? Surrounded by family.
What is your hidden talent? I’m a good at playing poker!
What might we be surprised to know about you? I’m shy, I avoid social occasions, especially opening nights, as I’m usually exhausted.
Anything else you’d like to share with us? No, not really – other than to say that if anyone has read this article to the end then I’d like to say I appreciate their interest!
Factfile
Name and position: Marion Wyatt, artist
Age: 69 this July
Lives: Frankfield, Cork
Family: 3 adult children, 5 grandchildren
Pets: None
Favourite thing about Cork: Its people
Least favourite thing about Cork: Dirty streets, pavements, and derelict buildings
One thing you’d change about Cork: Clean up the streets, pavements and refurbish derelict buildings