PAINTING
THROUGH THE
DARK
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“… a tender, dramatic portrait of a young woman from an Irish convent, driven to explore the world—and her past—through the power of art.”
—Rene Denfeld, bestselling author of The Child Finder
“…writes with courage and precision…the damage incurred by sexual abuse, the burden of broken dreams, bravery, betrayal, the claustrophobia of conventional expectations, and most prominently, the darkness in men’s hearts.”
—Mark James Montgomery, The Lightning Field
“…a multi-layered novel that encompasses a rich tapestry of themes from first love and sex to a nation and church reeking of abuse.”
—Ellen Kesend, author and screenwriter
Irish Theatre Tour
July 22– Aug 1, 2025
“…a natural born storyteller with a brilliant eye for character…”
Peter Sheridan, 47 Roses, Every Inch of Her, 44: Dublin Made Me
“Gemma Whelan has a way with pictures, using taut, precise words as her canvas.”
Peter G Quinn, small things
“…from life and from the stage, she knows drama: She gets the simultaneous thrill and catch-in-the-throat nervousness of landing in a place you’ve never been, on your own in a strange city or strange country, with no plan of action but to feel its presence, start moving, and go from there.”
Bob Hicks, Oregon Arts Watch
“Artistically versatile, perceptive, and highly disciplined, Gemma Whelan is a gifted director whose flexible approach to directing is rooted in deep respect for the actors, designers, and producers with whom she collaborates.”
Sue Daly, Sunsaura
“…a cast feels steady in Gemma’s presence; her leadership skills are so lovely that way, for there is an alert and inquisitive quality to the process that is calming at the same time.”
Randall Stuart, Artistic Director, Upon These Boards
“…a director of talent and distinction.”
John Fisher, Artistic Director, Theater Rhinoceros, San Francisco
“A superlative instructor, a student advocate, and a disciplined leader, Ms. Whelan embodies the essential qualities of the modern, cutting-edge, Theatre Arts instructor.”
Sterling Warner, Professor, Evergreen Valley College
“…excellent interpersonal, organizational and supervisory skills…and impressive abilities in program development…” “She is unique. Working with her is enriching and inspiring.”
Nina Hersch Gabelko, Director, Academic Talent Development Program, UC Berkeley
