Margaretta D'Arcy facts for kids

Margaretta Ruth D'Arcy (born 14 June 1934, died 23 November 2025) was a talented Irish actress, writer, and playwright. She was also a dedicated activist who cared deeply about important issues. Margaretta was a member of Aosdána, a special group for artists in Ireland, right from when it started. She often used her plays and writings to talk about topics like Irish identity, people's freedoms, and making sure women had equal rights. She was known for her strong beliefs and for standing up for what she thought was right.

Margaretta D'Arcy's Early Life and Theatre Work

Margaretta D'Arcy was born in London, England. Her mother was from a Russian-Jewish background, and her father was Irish-Catholic. From a young age, Margaretta was drawn to the theatre. She began working in small theatres in Dublin when she was just fifteen years old, and soon became an actress.

In 1957, she married John Arden, an English playwright and author. They often worked together on creative projects. They made their home in Galway, Ireland, and in 1976, they started the Galway Theatre Workshop. Margaretta and John had five sons.

Together, they created many plays and improvisational works for both new and experienced actors. Some of their well-known plays include The Happy Haven (from 1960) and The Workhouse Donkey. Margaretta also wrote and produced many plays on her own, such as The Non-Stop Connolly Show. She also wrote several books, including Tell Them Everything, Awkward Corners (which she wrote with John Arden), and Galway's Pirate Women: A Global Trawl.

Margaretta D'Arcy's Work for Change

Margaretta D'Arcy was a passionate activist who worked for many causes she believed in. In 1961, she joined the Committee of 100, a group led by Bertrand Russell that protested against nuclear weapons.

Her dedication to peace led to her being held in jail in Armagh in 1981. During this time, she wrote her book Tell Them Everything. This book shared the experiences of women in prison and their fight for their beliefs. It was an important early account of what these women went through.

Margaretta also directed a film called Yellow Gate Women. This film showed how women at the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp protested against nuclear weapons being kept at RAF Greenham Common. They used different ways to challenge the presence of these weapons.

From 1987, Margaretta ran an independent radio station from her home in Galway. This station, sometimes called a "pirate radio," was run by women and aimed to challenge censorship and share different voices.

In October 2012, Margaretta and Niall Farrell were arrested. They were protesting against the use of Shannon Airport as a stopover for military flights. She believed these flights were not good for peace. She received a suspended sentence, which meant she wouldn't go to jail if she followed certain rules. However, in 2014, she was sent to prison. This happened because she refused to promise that she wouldn't protest in certain non-public areas of Shannon Airport again. She spent about nine and a half weeks in jail before being released.

Margaretta D'Arcy's Passing

Margaretta D'Arcy passed away on 23 November 2025, at the age of 91. Her life was filled with creativity and a strong commitment to making the world a better place.

Groups Margaretta D'Arcy Belonged To

• Aosdána (She was a member from when it first started)
• Member of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC)
• An important leader in AMARC's Women's International Network (WIN)

Margaretta D'Arcy's Creative Works

Margaretta D'Arcy was a very creative person who wrote many books, plays, and even directed films.

Books by Margaretta D'Arcy

Her books include:

• Tell Them Everything
• Awkward Corners (written with John Arden)
• Galway's Pirate Women: A Global Trawl

Plays by Margaretta D'Arcy

Some of the plays she wrote include:

• The Pinprick of History
• Vandaleur's Folly
• Women's Voices from W. of Ireland
• Prison-voice of Countess Markievicz
• A Suburban ... (a radio play from 1995)
• Lajwaad (The Good People, adapted in 1995)
• Dublin (from 1996)

She also helped create plays as part of a group, such as:

• Muggins is a Martyr
• The Vietnam War-game
• 200 Years of Labour
• The Mongrel Fox
• No Room at the Inn
• Mary's Name
• Seán O'Scrúdu
• Silence

Plays she wrote with her husband, John Arden, include:

• The Business of Good Government
• The Happy Haven
• Ars Longa Vita Brevis
• The Royal Pardon
• The Hero Rises Up
• The Ballygombeen Bequest
• The Non-Stop Connolly Show
• The Island of the Mighty, A Trilogy (1972)
• Keep the People Moving (for BBC Radio)
• Portrait of a Rebel (for RTÉ Television)
• The Manchester Enthusiasts (1984)
• Whose is the Kingdom? (a 9-part radio play from 1987)

Films Directed by Margaretta D'Arcy

Margaretta also directed films, often through Women in Media & Entertainment:

• Yellow Gate Women (2007): This film was shown at film festivals in Galway and New York.
• Shell Hell (2005): Co-directed with Finn Arden, this film was shown at the Galway Arts Festival and other festivals.
• Big Plane, Small Axe (2005): This documentary won an award at the Galway Film Fleadh and was shown at several film festivals.
• Circus Exposé (1987): This film was shown at the Celtic Film Festival and Foyle Festival.

See also

• List of peace activists