AMHARCLANN

A E H T Y E B B A NA MAINISTREACH E R T

H C A E R T S I N I A M A N N N A L C R A H M A Three-year review 2006–2008 8 0 0 2 – 6 0 0 2

www.abbeytheatre.ie Abbey 2006The – 2008 atre Amharclann Na Mainistreach Three-year review 2006–2008

board honorary council Abbey Theatre/ Bryan McMahon (Chairman) Kathleen Barrington Amharclann na Mainistreach Catherine Byrne Conor Bowman 26 Lower Abbey Street Tom Hickey Siobhán Bourke 1 Olwen Fouéré Loretta Brennan Glucksman tel: + 353 1 887 2200 Suzanne Kelly Frank Cuneen fax: + 353 1 872 9177 Mairéad Delaney www.abbeytheatre.ie Dr. Jim Mountjoy Eugene Downes Eugene O’Brien Paddy Duffy photographic credits: Maurice O’Connell Clare Duignan Cover images and p17: Lynne Parker John Fairleigh by Colm Hogan, John Stapleton Clive Geraghty by Norman Des Geraghty McBeath, Mark O’Rowe, 1 2 3 Eithne Healy Paul Mercier, & Peadar Lamb Bisi Adigun by Ros Kavanagh 4 5 67 John Lynch by Simon Houston Tomás MacAnna p23: Simon Houston Patricia McBride p25/26/27/29/30/31/32/33/37/ 8 9 10 11 Muriel McCarthy 38/40: Ros Kavanagh Paul Mercier p34/39: Colm Hogan Jimmy cover images Donal Nevin 1. Billy Roche; 2. Marina Carr; 3. Mark O’Rowe; Edna O’Brien 4. Paul Mercier; 5. Seamus Heaney; 6. ; Ulick O’Connor 7. Bisi Adigun; 8. ; 9. Conor McPherson; Peter Rose Designed by zero-g 10. ; 11. Roddy Doyle Board at December 2008 John Stapleton Printed on 100% recycled stock april 2009

2006 – 2008

Contents

Chairman’s introduction 5 Three year review 6 Facts & figures 10 Productions, 12 talks & readings Abbey Theatre staff 20 Awards 21 Sponsors & supporters 21 Theatre as a resource 23 Images & reviews 24

abbey theatre 2006 – 2008 Chairman’s introduction

s I sit to write this foreword the airwaves are full, not ‘of linnets’ wings’, but of the poetic achievements of Seamus Heaney. Today he is 70 and the nation celebrates Athe life and poetry of our Nobel laureate. The Abbey is proud to have recently produced Burial at Thebes his translation of Sophocles’ Antigone, a play that has a personal resonance for me as a lawyer, but one which also reminds us of our place in the literary tradition of western Europe. An inspiration, in every sense, to the nation, Heaney continues in the tradition of Shaw, Yeats, Joyce, O’Casey, Beckett and Kavanagh. He has rekindled the artistic flame for another generation. Ever conscious of his responsibility as an artist he has never failed in his obligations to his art or to his community. Even on institutional responsibility he is instructive. His poem St Kevin and the Blackbird pictures the kneeling saint with outstretched arms in penitential pose in a cell so narrow that to accommodate his extended pose one hand extends through a small window to the outside world. Opportunistically, the blackbird uses the hand-cup to lay her eggs. Appreciating his obligation to nature, Kevin remains a prisoner until the eggs are hatched and the birds have flown. When the present board was appointed to the Abbey some three years ago we were conscious of our position as trustees of a priceless national legacy. As cus- todians we were obliged not only to preserve this heritage but, like the biblical good servant, we are obliged to nurture and enhance it. This report marks the achievements of the last 3 years under the leadership of Director Fiach Mac Conghail, supported by his strong management team and staff, and my thanks extend to my fellow board mem- bers all of whom have contributed greatly to this success. I wish to acknowledge, also, the strong commitment of the Irish Government, the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism and The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon to supporting the mission and objectives of the Abbey Theatre. Like St Kevin, we will all remain faithful to the task.

the honourable mr. justice bryan mcmahon, april 2009 Chairman, Abbey Theatre/Amharclann na Mainistreach

4 5 2005 – 2008

Horse, An Ideal Husband, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, The Burial Is é ár gcuspóir mar at Thebes, Big Love, and The Big House. We looked also to important amharclann náisiúnta na Artistic plays by English writers , Caryl Churchill and Joe Penhall hÉireann ná drámaí nua agus léirithe spreagúla to examine key issues and changes occurring in Irish society. We also a chur i láthair lucht Three Sisters produced Brian Friel’s exquisite versions of Chekov’s and féachana náisiúnta agus Turgenev’s A Month in the Country. idirnáisiúnta agus chun tacú achievement and The Abbey Theatre reengaged and collaborated with important leis seo le gníomhaíochtaí, Irish writers Bisi Adigun, Marina Carr, Roddy Doyle, Brian Friel, Seamus díospóireachtaí agus Heaney, Conor McPherson, Paul Mercier, Tom Murphy, Mark O’Rowe, imeachtaí a osclaíonn Billy Roche, . And we began to take stock of one of Ameri- domhan na hamharclainne suas dár saoránaigh financial success ca’s most important playwrights, Pulitzer prize-winner Sam Shepard. In trí ránnpháirteachas a this unique collaboration, Shepard has given the Abbey Theatre two mhéadú agus chun cur le world premieres and we will continue to survey his work for Irish audi- rannpháirteachas. Tá rún ences over the next couple of years. againn na ceisteanna atá i Visiting companies enriched our programme and more than mbéal phobal na hÉireann a 11,000 people of all ages were introduced to the art of circus with chíoradh agus chun aghaidh Aurelia’s Oratorio (France), Taoub (Morocco) and Circo de la Sombra a thabhairt ar na ceisteanna sin agus chun tacú lenár gcuid (Franco-Catalan). We also invited the National Theatre of Great Britain’s scríbhneoirí agus ealaíontóirí Happy Days production of by starring . chun ciall a bhaint as na ceisteanna seo agus chun iad a Le trí bliana anuas ver the last three years more than 370,000 people have seen aibhsiú dár saoránaigh agus d’fhreastail os cionn 370,000 32 productions on our two stages in Dublin and on tour in , NURTURING TALENT, UNLOCKING POTENTIAL dár lucht féachana. duine ar 32 léiriú dár gcuid OEdinburgh, and New York. The Abbey Theatre’s audienc- ar ár dhá stáitse i mBaile es have been excited, engaged, challenged and entertained by a great The Abbey maintains the only fulltime Literary Department in Ireland, Átha Cliath agus ar turas in variety of work which included 7 world premieres, 4 Irish premieres and which in 2006 commissioned 16 writers. Three of these plays, Terminus Éirinn, i nDún Éideann, i Londain agus i Nua-Eabhrac. work from 6 international companies. by Mark O’Rowe, Kicking a Dead Horse by Sam Shepard and Lay Me Bhí lear mór léirithe de chuid As Ireland’s national theatre our aim is to present new plays Down Softly by Billy Roche were produced in 2007/8 and a further five Amharclann na Mainistreach and exciting productions to our audiences and to support this with ac- will premiere in 2009. - lena n-áirítear 7 gcinn de tivities, debates and events that open up the theatre to our citizens by In 2007/8 we commissioned a further 17 writers and also com- premières domhanda, 4 cinn increasing and extending participation. We aim to reflect and challenge missioned six short plays by younger writers, which were performed as de premières Éireannacha the issues that occur in Irish society and to support our writers and rehearsed readings in the Peacock. agus saothair de chuid 6 cinn artists in making sense of highlighting these concerns to our citizens The Literary Department continue to receive, assess and re- de chompántais idirnáisiúnta - spreagúil, mealltach, and our audiences. spond individually to up to 300 unsolicited scripts per year. Writers of dúshlánach agus siamsúil dár the best of these submissions are considered for invitation to the New lucht féachana. Playwrights Programme. One vision, two stages The Abbey Theatre is a dynamic working environment in which theatre professionals across all disciplines work to develop their cre- The Abbey’s programming continues to reflect on our stages ‘the deep- ative talents, and achieve ever greater standards of excellence and qual- er emotions of Ireland’. From 2006-2008 we presented new Irish plays, ity. We have introduced a Resident Assistant Director scheme, which plays from the Abbey and Irish repertoire, international classic drama, supports the training and development of young and emerging theatre and encouraged new and diverse theatre making. makers. We have also encouraged directors and designers We examined the new and changing Ireland in plays like to work at the Abbey Theatre. We are proud to have worked with over Homeland by Paul Mercier, The Grown-Ups by Nick Kelly, and Bisi Adi- 300 actors in 32 productions over the last three years. In our commit- gun and Roddy Doyle’s version of Synge’s The Playboy of the Western ment to improve quality in productions at the Abbey Theatre, we have World. We explored the issues of leadership, democracy and political introduced extra weeks of rehearsals for productions, more low-price courage in productions of Julius Caesar, The Crucible, Kicking a Dead previews and a fully integrated understudy system.

6 7 abbey theatre 2006 – 2008

THE ABBEY EXPERIENCE and corporate structure was radically altered and new management structures, systems and skills designed and installed. This major change Is é ár stráitéis fhadtréimhseach Dúshláin nua, In 2007 internationally renowned designer Jean-Guy Lecat and Irish ar- was financially supported by the Government through the Department of ná athrú ionaid chuig Deiseanna nua chitect John Keogan transformed the Abbey auditorium, with a new floor Arts, Sports and Tourism (DAST) and the Arts Council/An Chomhairle foirgneamh nua i nDuga Táimid ag dul isteach i Ealaíon and all debts were cleared. In January 2006, the Arts Council design and seating. This enhanced the acoustics, created an intimacy Sheoirse i nDugthailte Bhaile dtréimhse nua a bhfuil athrú provided an historic 3 year investment of €25.7m, a sum ring-fenced by between the audience and actors and has been unanimously applauded. Átha Cliath a chur i gcrích. i gceist léi, ní hé amháin It has transformed the theatrical experience at the Abbey Theatre. DAST, to the reconstituted Abbey Theatre under the direction of Fiach Nuair a chuirtear críoch leis d’Amharclann na Mainistreach Mac Conghail. an ollionad nua cois farraige ach d’Éirinn trí chéile freisin. The Abbey is continuing to build its reputation and extend the What three-year funding empowered the Abbey Theatre to do seo, beidh foirgneamh íocónach Tá deis ann anois, níos mó life of its new work by touring Ireland and performing overseas. In 2008 agus dinimiciúil ag Baile ná riamh, le hamharclann grants from Culture Ireland supported performances in both the US and was make enlightened artistic and business decisions which minimised Átha Cliath, a mbeadh cáil náisiúnta na hÉireann chun the UK. The Abbey took two productions to the Public Theater (New risk and encouraged long term planning and programming, providing a mhéadaitheach na cathrach léiriú a thabhairt ar shochaí solid foundation to build upon. York); Terminus by Mark O’Rowe ran at of as part of the Under the Radar mar phríomhchathair na hÉireann agus chun fóram We have achieved year-on year growth in income (40%) and Festival 9—20 January, followed by Kicking a Dead Horse by Sam dhomhanda maidir le a sholáthar don phobal ina Shepard, 25 June—10 August, which then transferred to the Almeida attendance (19%). The introduction of organisational and professional cultúr agus cruthaitheacht mbeadh cruthaitheacht, Terminus development programmes have informed working practices and work le sonrú go mór ann. Is é ár cumas friotail, díospóireacht Theatre (London), 5—20 September. ran at the Traverse began to revitalize the Abbey’s brand profile. gcuspóir ná clár bliantúil de agus dioscúrsa ina n-órlaí Theatre, 3—24 August, as part of the Edinburgh Festival, where it won a 16 léiriú, 2 thuras náisiúnta tríd. Tugann próiseas prestigious FRINGE FIRST, and as a result has been invited to London, In 2008 we commissioned an Economic Impact Study to 1 a chur i láthair an phobail déanta drámaíochta deis Australia, New Zealand and to return to the US. The Seafarer by Conor measure the specific contribution of the national theatre to the economy , mar aon le tacú le rannóg comhchruthaitheachta ar leith using a model commissioned by Arts Council . This confirmed McPherson enjoyed a successful Irish tour with performances in Cork, liteartha atá faoi bhláth, leis i gcomhair scríbhneoirí, the economic impact of the Abbey (combined direct and indirect spend, and Letterkenny. le mórchlár gníomhaíocht stiúrthóirí, aisteoirí agus lucht including turnover) at almost €40 million per year, generating €3.6 for Rannpháirteachais agus féachana. Ceiliúrann sé agus every €1 of funding and between 2006 – 2008 the Abbey contributed Foghlama, le Stiúideo, le dearbhaíonn sé cumhacht agus REACHING AUDIENCES over €118 million to the Irish economy. sruthanna ioncaim iolracha láithreacht an aisteora agus agus éagsúla agus chun cur an scríbhneora. Is é an lucht More than 370,000 people saw an Abbey show between 2006 and lenár ndea-cháil náisiúnta agus féachana amháin atá in ann 2008, an increase of 19%, while a greater number of events and idirnáisiúnta. an láithreacht seo a thabhairt i activities helped to engage and deepen the relationships we have with New challenges, New opportunities gcrích. Lenár linn tá spásanna our audiences and create conversations around issues of national and .... fíorúla agus pobail ar líne international relevance. At over one hundred Abbey Talks, theatre artists, We are now entering a new period of change not just for the Abbey note 1 tar éis teacht ar an bhfód ach Theatre but also for Ireland. Now, more than ever, there is an opportu- The Economic Impact of leanann den drámaíocht bheith opinion makers and stakeholders critiqued, challenged and debated nity for Ireland’s national theatre to hold a mirror up to Irish society and the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, ina comhchuid ar leith agus issues and themes with our audiences, serving to animate the work on undertaken by Professor fíorthábhachtach maidir le our stages. provide a forum for creativity, expression, debate and discourse. The Dominic Shellard, Pro-Vice- cultúrtha na hÉireann. Initiatives such as the Matinee Club give our senior audience process of making theatre offers a special kind of communion for writers, directors, actors and audiences. It celebrates and affirms the immediate Chancellor, The University of members insights into productions through discussions with writers, Sheffield, and Derrick Elliss. directors and cast members. Projects with disadvantaged schools power and presence of the actor and the writer. This presence can only combined onsite workshops, backstage tours, and teacher support to be fully realised by the audience. In a time of virtual spaces and online create a direct connection between the Abbey and over 2,300 students. communities theatre continues to be a unique and vital component of Crucially they have also helped to break down preconceived ideas Irish cultural life. about theatre and to foster a new generation of younger theatregoers Our long-term strategy is to relocate to a new building at that appreciates theatre as an art-form that they enjoy, engage with and George’s Dock in the Dublin Docklands. When complete, the new are inspired by. waterside complex will give Dublin an iconic and dynamic building reflecting the city’s growing reputation as a global capital of culture BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC IMPACT and creativity. Our ambition is to produce an annual programme of 16 productions and 2 national tours, to support a thriving Literary The Abbey suffered a major crisis culminating in 2004/05 as a result of Department, develop a major programme of Engage and Learn activity, a combination of structural and systemic weaknesses. As a result, there a Studio, multiple and diverse income streams and continue to build on was a wholesale process of change from the top down. The company our national and international reputation.

8 9 abbey theatre 2006 – 2008 375,000 people enjoyed Abbey Theatre performances Facts and 7 world premieres figures 4 Irish premieres 309 actors worked on the Abbey stages 798 roles were cast for shows, readings and workshops joined Access All Abbey, a discounted ticket 2,000 scheme for young people 2006-2008* 23,500 saw work on tour in 2008 Earned income Euros unsolicited scripts were responded to Box Office 7,648,239 753 by the Literary Department Other productions 93,531 productions staged by the Abbey in Dublin, nationally and internationally Sponsorship and donations 189,768 32 Trading income 1,404,751 111 talks took place at the Abbey Theatre Grants receivable 25,359,622 34,695,911 11,500 attended these talks writers under commission Expenditure 34 plus 12 short play commissions Productions & direct costs 17,901,494 school children, teachers and parents took part in education programmes Theatre overheads 7,775,044 2,328 Commissions & creative development 1,267,110 assisted performances. (32 signed performances, 11 audio described performances, 7 captioned performances) Marketing, publicity and box office 4,173,561 50 Restructuring 216,834 30 writers were commissioned to write programme notes 31,334,043 actors were engaged for inhouse play workshops 367 and public readings Net Surplus 3,361,868 Literary Department workshops *Unaudited accounts. The accumulated operating surplus of €3.36m is a result of prudent 38 budgeting, tight costs control, some plans being implemented later than expected and an increase in box office income. The accumulated surplus will fund the decrease in Arts Coun- contribution to the Irish economy cil/ An Chomhairle Ealaíon funding in 2009. €118m

10 11 abbey theatre 2006 – 2008

DOUBT ‘A thousand cheers for the ‘An unmissable examination a parable by Abbey Theatre’s THE SCHOOL of creativity, violence FOR SCANDAL and director and the fluid nature of John Patrick Shanley Productions, Jimmy Fay.Richard Brinsley identity.’ Daragh Reddin/ irish premiere Sheridan’s great comedy Metro/03.04.06 21 October - 25 November has for this production 35 performances been treated with absolute on the Abbey stage Howie the Rookie talks & readings respect, cast wonderfully by Mark O’Rowe and made into nothing Director: Gerard Stembridge 5 May - 3 June short of a triumph.’ Set design: Alan Farqurharson 30 performances Bruce Arnold/Irish Lighting design: on the Peacock stage Kevin McFadden Independent Costume design: Catherin Fay, Director: Jimmy Fay Liz Fitzgerald The Grown Ups Set and Costume design: Cast: Bríd Brennan, Aidan Kelly, by Nicholas Kelly Johanna Connor world premiere Lighting design: ‘Jason Byrne’s production Starla Benford, ABBEY THEATRE PRODUCTIONS Director: Conall Morrison 10 February - 11 March Sinéad McKenna of A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY Gemma Reeves Set design: Sabine Dargent 30 performances Cast: Aidan Kelly, Karl Shiels for the Abbey does have an Costume design: Sinéad Cuthbert ‘This is topical theatre on the Peacock stage 2006 Lighting design: Nick McCall authentic feel; it’s full international in status, ‘This is an electrifying 426 performances Choreography: Cindy Cummings of desperation, hysteria blazingly well written and Director: Gerard Stembridge production; I would go so Sound: Cormac Carroll running beneath the crackingly well presented. Set design: Sinéad O’Hanlon far as to suggest that it surface like an earthquake is faultless.’ O’Kelly/ Assistant director: Alice Coghlan It’s thestuff of a national Lighting design: Homeland fault line ... This is Cast: Christopher Simpson, Robert theatre.’ Emer O’Kelly/ Kevin McFadden SundayIndependent/14.05.06 by Paul Mercier revitalization of the O’Mahoney, Tracy Harper, Jeff Sunday Independent/ Costume design: Suzanne Cave world premiere Abbey as we hoped for it.’ Diamond, Andrea Irvine, Simon 29.10.06 Sound design: Eddie Breslin BLUE ORANGE 14 January - 25 February Emer O’Kelly/Sunday Cast: Jonathan Forbes, Leigh by Joe Penhall 42 performances O’Gorman, Peter Hanly, Mojisola Independent/28.05.06 The School for Scandal Arnold, Fionnuala Murphy, Stephen 16 June - 15 July on the Abbey stage Adebayo, Mary Healy, Shereen Martineau, Merrina Millsapp, Ruth by R. B. Sheridan Brennan, Dan Colley 30 performances Director: Paul Mercier The Importance 2 Dec - 20 Jan on the Peacock stage Negga, Donna Nikolaisen ‘Part social satire and Set and lighting design: of Being Earnest 53 performances part urban thriller, Director: Annabelle Comyn Paul Keogan ‘A vibrant production ... by Oscar Wilde on the Abbey stage a visual, sensual treat.’ Nicholas Kelly’s piece is Set design: Annabelle Comyn Costumes: Niamh Lunny 8 July - 23 September Rachel Andrews/Sunday Director: Jimmy Fay a pertinent dissection of Set design: Paul O’Mahony Original music: 77 performances Tribune/12.03.06 Set design: Ferdia Murphy the excesses of a modern Lighting design: Conor Linehan on the Abbey stage Lighting design: Paul Keogan Ireland.’ Daragh Reddin/ Sinéad Wallace Sound: Liz Fitzgerald Director: Conall Morrison Costume design: Metro/16.02.06 Costume design: Cast: Andrew Bennett, Catherine Turgenev’s A Month in the Country Set design: Sabine Dargent Léonore McDonagh Niamh Lunny Byrne, Liam Carney, Denis Conway, Lighting design: Ben Omerod A version by Brian Friel Original music: True West Sound design: Katy Davis, Michael Fitzgerald, Joe Costumes: Joan O’Clery 20 May - 1 July Conor Linehan by Sam Shepard Richard Barragry Hanley, Eamonn Hunt, Eleanor Cast: , Stephen Hogan, 42 performances Cast: Cathy Belton, Ned Dennehy, 4 March - 22 April Cast: George Costigan, Christopher Methven, David Pearse, Gabrielle David Pearse, Michael Fitzgerald, on the Abbey stage Tom Vaughan Lawlor, Gemma 28 performances Staines, Emmanuel Ighodaro Reidy, Norma Sheahan Marty Rea, Sean Kearns, Ned Reeves, Marion O’Dwyer, David on the Peacock stage ‘Joe Penhall’s taut, astute Director: Jason Byrne Dennehy, Des Cave, Barry O’Connor, Pearse, Mark O’Regan, Mark Director: Jimmy Fay drama deftly straddles the Euripides’ Set and Costume design: Kevin Morley, Michael Winder, Lambert, , Simone Kirby, Set design: Ferdia Murphy intellect and the heart. The Bacchae of Baghdad Joe Vanek Roger Thomson Nick Dunning, Des Cave, Rory The story is delivered A new version Lighting design: Mick Hughes Lighting design: Sinéad Wallace ‘A sparkling comic Keenan, Joe Roch, Megan Riordan, at a frenetic pace to a by Conall Morrison Cast: Derbhle Crotty, Deirdre Costume design: Johanna Connor production that breathes Yare Jegbefume laughing, gasping audience world premiere Donnelly. Declan Conlon, Peter Sound: Ivan Birthistle, fresh life into an old that cares deeply about 4 March - 15 April Hanly, Elaine Symons, Fiona Bell, Vincent Doherty masterpiece.’ Michael its outcome.’ Helen Boylan/ 41 performances Cast: Aidan Kelly, Declan Andrew Bennett, , Moffatt// Sunday / on the Abbey stage Conlon, Emmet Bergin, Maria Pat Laffan, Don Wycherley, Simon 16.07.06 26.06.06 O’Gorman, Laura-Jane Laughlin McDermottroe

12 13 abbey theatre 2006 – 2008

ALICE TRILOGY ‘Jason Byrne has taken Tom Hickey, Ruth Negga, Gemma kicking a dead horse Denis Conway, Des Cave, Pat Laffan, Saved by Tom Murphy JULIUS CAESAR in a Reeves, Aoife Duffin, Laura Jane by Sam Shepard Derry Power, Dermot Magennis, by Edward Bond magnificent grip in his irish premiere Laughlin, Suzy Lawlor, Peter Gowen, world premiere Marc O’Shea Musicians: Helene 27 April - 26 May new production for the 6 October – 4 November Des Cave, Mark D’Aughton, Chris 12 - 22 September Montague, Ellen Cranitch 29 performances Abbey ...A stirring 29 performances McHallem, Peter Hanly, Laurietta 12 performances on the Peacock stage evening’s theatre and a ‘This is a deft on the Peacock stage Essien, Christopher Saul, Phelim on the Abbey stage production standard that production...a fine Drew, Marion O’Dwyer, Máire Ní Director: Jimmy Fay Director: Tom Murphy is exactly what a national Director: Sam Shepard ensemble, beautifully Set design: Paul O’Mahony Ghráinne, Eric Higgins directed.’ Colin Murphy/ Set and Costume design: theatre should be aiming Set design: Brien Vahey Costume design: Catherine Fay for.’ Emer O’Kelly/Sunday Johanna Connor ‘The production at the Lighting design: John Comiskey Lighting design: Independent/25.02.07 Costume design: Joan Bergin Sinéad Wallace Abbey ...has restored the A Number Lighting design: Tina MacHugh play to its fascinating Cast: , Joanne Crawford Sound design: Vincent Doherty and by Caryl Churchill Sound design: Vincent Doherty The Cavalcaders and vital historical Ivan Birthistle 6 February - 3 March and Ivan Birthistle by Billy Roche context in a truly the Playboy Fight Director: Paul Burke 27 performances Cast: Jane Brennan, Mary Murray, 10 April – 19 May admirable production.’ of the Western World Cast: Tom Vaughan Lawlor, Eileen on the Peacock stage Robert O’Mahoney, Enda Kilroy, 39 performances Bruce Arnold/Irish a new version by Bisi Adigun and Walsh, Eleanor Methven, Paul on the Abbey stage Bosco Hogan, Des Nealon, Stella Independent/01.06.07 Roddy Doyle Director: Annabelle Comyn Moriarty, Rory Keenan, Marty Rea, McCusker Director: Robin Lefèrve world premiere Set design: Brien Vahey John Cronin, Ciarán O’Brien, Set design: Alan Farquharson The Big House 29 September - 24 November Lighting design: Kate Brennan 2007 Lighting design: Mick Hughes by 56 performances Sinéad Wallace Costume design: 28 July – 8 September on the Abbey stage Costume design: Joan O’Clery ‘Jimmy Fay’s production of 42 performances Original music: Philip Stewart the play is pretty well 437 performances Sinéad Cuthbert Director: Jimmy Fay faultless ...This is an Music director: on the Abbey stage Cast: Alan Williams, Stuart Graham Set design: Anthony Lamble evening of extraordinary, Pat Fitzpatrick Director: Conall Morrison Lighting design: horrible, devastating Julius Caesar Choreography: ‘Thought-provoking, Set design: Francis O’Connor Sinéad Wallace theatre. See it.’ by Muirne Bloomer superbly-written and Costume design: Joan O’Clery Costume design: Catherine Fay Emer O’Kelly/Sunday 12 February - 17 March Cast: Stephen Brennan, John sharply acted.Everything Sound design: Philip Stewart Sound design: Vincent Doherty and Independent/06.05.07 34 performances Kavanagh, David Ganly, Garrett you could ask for from a Cast: Lucy Gaskell, Patrick Godfrey, Ivan Birthistle play.’Edel Coffey/Sunday on the Abbey stage Lombard, Ingrid Craigie, Deirdre Donnelly, Matthew Douglas, Cast: Eileen Walsh, Liam Carney, Terminus Simone Kirby Tribune/11.02.07 Director: Jason Byrne Derry Power, Philip O’Sullivan, Laurence Kinlan, Giles Terera, Olu by Mark O’Rowe Set and Costume design: ‘ Robin Lefevre’s direction Marty Rea, Georgina Miller, Jacobs, Phelim Drew, Joe Hanley, Kicking a Dead Horse world premiere Angeline Ball, Charleen Gleeson, Jon Bausor is elegantly paced, not Sean O’Neill, Ger Kelly, by Sam Shepard 9 June - 7 July Kate Brennan, Aoife Duffin Lighting design: Paul Keogan least when it comes to Brian Bennett 12 March - 14 April 29 performances Sound design: Denis Clohessy affording the original on the Peacock stage ‘What is extraordinary 31 performances Fight director: Paul Burke songs the space to evoke The RECRUITING OFFICER is its relevance; we are on the Peacock stage Director: Mark O’Rowe Cast: Robert O’Mahoney, Aidan a poignant sense of time by George Farquhar still imposing definitions Set and Costume design: Kelly, Declan Conlon, Frank and place.’ Declan Burke/ 3 December - 26 January Director: Sam Shepard of Irishness for all our Jon Bausor McCusker, Deirdre Roycroft, Sunday Times — Culture/ 52 performances Set design: Brien Vahey supposed ‘celebration’ of Lighting design: Dairíne Ní Dhonnchú, Peter Hanly, 22.04.07 on the Abbey stage Costume design: Joan Bergin difference. It’s one hell Philip Gladwell Mark D’Aughton, Jack Walsh, Lighting design: of a timely revival, and Director: Lynne Parker Sound design: Philip Stewart Will O’Connell, Des Nealon, The Crucible John Comiskey the production is a fine Set design: Ferdia Murphy Dialect Coach: Brendan Gunn Cast: Andrea Irvine, Eileen Walsh, Bosco Hogan, Ciarán O’Brien, by one.’ Emer O’Kelly/Sunday Lighting design: Tina MacHugh Aidan Kelly Tadhg Murphy 26 May - 7 July Assistant Director: Independent Costume design: Kathy Strachan 19 citizens: Sarah Barragry, Patrick 42 performances Wayne Jordan Music director: Hélène Montague Carrol, Ian Cooke, Cecil Coughlan, on the Abbey stage Cast: Stephen Rea, Joanne Crawford Musicians: Ellen Cranitch, Jonathan Delaney Tynan, Cahit Director: Patrick Mason Hélène Montague Ece, David Ferguson, Mark McCabe, Set and Costume design: Cast: Declan Conlon, Garrett Aoife Moore, Glenn Mullins, Glenn Conor Murphy Lombard, Peter Hanly, Miche Naughton, Kate Nic Chonaonaigh, Lighting design: Lucy Carter Doherty, Kathy Keira Clarke, Donncha O’Dea, Ciarán O’Grady, Sound design: Denis Clohessy Cathy Belton, Janet Moran, Fergal Olivia Pouyanne, Janee Rambocus, Cast: Declan Conlon, Cathy Belton, McElherron, Eleanor Methven, David Sheehan, Keith Ward, Deirdre Donnelly, Derry Power, Stephen Wilson.

14 15 abbey theatre 2006 – 2008 woman and scarecrow the seafarer Cast: Malcolm Adams, Ian Lloyd- THE BURIAL AT THEBES BIG LOVE lay me down softly by Marina Carr by Conor McPherson Anderson, Jane Brennan, Kate a version of Sophocles’ Antigone by Charles Mee by Billy Roche irish premiere irish premiere Brennan, Des Cave, John Cronin, by Seamus Heaney 5 July – 2 August world premiere 6 October - 10 November 26 April – 7 June Peter Gaynor, Bosco Hogan, Damien 4 April – 3 May 28 performances 14 November – 13 December 35 performances 36 performances Kearney, Aidan Kelly, Tom Vaughan- 30 performances on the Peacock stage 30 performances on the Peacock stage on the Abbey stage Lawlor, Ronan Leahy, Eamon on the Peacock stage on the Peacock stage Morrissey, Diarmaid Murtagh, Director: Selina Cartmell Director: Selina Cartmell Director: Jimmy Fay Ciarán O’Brien, Philip O’Sullivan, Director: Patrick Mason Set and costume design: Director: Wilson Milam Set and Costume design: Set design: Paul O’Mahony George Seremba, Karl Shiels, Shawn Set and costume design: Jon Bausor Set and costume design: Conor Murphy Lighting design: Sturnick Ferdia Murphy Lighting design: Paul Keogan Ferdia Murphy Lighting design: Paul Keogan Sinéad Wallace Lighting design: Sound design: Denis Clohessy Lighting design: Paul Keogan Sound design: Denis Clohessy Costume design: The Playboy Sinead McKenna Cast: Malcolm Adams, Brian Sound design: Philip Stewart Cast: Olwene Fouéré, Barbara Niamh Lunny of the Western World Sound design: Denis Clohessy Bennett, Barbara Brennan, Daniel Cast: Joe Doyle, Gary Lydon, Brennan, Bríd Ní Neachtain, Sound design: Denis Clohessy a new version Cast: Jane Brennan, Barry Cassin, Brocklebank, Martin Brody, Stav Ruth Negga, Barry Ward, Simon O’Gorman Cast: Liam Carney, George Costigan, by Bisi Adigun and Roddy Doyle Des Cave, Declan Conlon, Kevin Dvorkin, Tim Gahan, Kelly Gough, Aisling O’Sullivan, Lalor Roddy Phelim Drew, Maelíosa Stafford, 12 December - 31 January Flood, Peter Hanly, Eric Higgins, Jose Miguel Jimenez, Aonghus 2008 Don Wycherley 47 performances Eamonn Hunt, Chris McHallem, Óg McAnally, Robert McDermott, on the Abbey stage Des Nealon, Kathy Rose O’Brien, Chris McHallem, Rory Nolan, 376 performances THREE SISTERS Aonghus Óg McAnally, Gemma Donncha O’Dea, Ciara O’Callaghan, by Anton Chekhov Director: Jimmy Fay Reeves, Oscar Hernandez Rodriguez Marion O’ Dwyer, Judith Roddy In a version by Brian Friel Set design: Anthony Lamble Romeo and Juliet 18 June – 2 August Lighting design: Sinéad Wallace 45 performances Costume design: Catherine Fay by William Shakespeare WRITERS 12 February – 17 March on the Abbey stage Sound design: Vincent Doherty 47 performances and Ivan Birthistle Director: David Leveaux 1. Billy Roche Lay Me Down Softly; on the Abbey stage Cast: Ruth Bradley, Kate Brennan, Set and costume design: Liam Carney, Phelim Drew, Hilda 2. Marina Carr Marble; Director: Jason Byrne Mike Britton Fay, Liz Fitzgibbon, Charlene 3. Mark O'Rowe Terminus; Set and costume design: Lighting design: Gleeson, Joe Hanley, Chuk Iwuji, 4. Paul Mercier Homeland; Jon Bausor Brian MacDevitt Rory Nolan, George Seremba 5. Seamus Heaney The Burial At Thebes; Lighting design: Paul Keogan Soung design: Denis Clohessy 6. Sam Shepard Kicking A Dead Horse; Sound Design: Denis Clohessy Cast: Andrew Adamson, Fiona Bell, FOOL FOR LOVE 7. Roddy Doyle and Bisi Adigun 1 2 3 Choreography: Ella Clarke Lorcan Cranitch, Derbhle Crotty, by Sam Shepard Playboy Of The Western World; Fight director: Paul Burke Brian Doherty, Darragh Kelly, Tom 19 February – 15 March 8. Brian Friel Three Sisters; Cast: Noelle Brown, Liam Carney, Vaughan Lawlor, Nick Lee, Stella 30 performances 9. Conor McPherson The Seafarer; John Cronin, Jonathan Delaney McCusker, Dearbhla McGuinness, on the Peacock stage 10. Tom Murphy Alice Trilogy Tynan, Peter Gaynor, Brian Gleeson, Andrew Macklin, Justine Mitchell, Darren Healy, Bosco Hogan, Jessica Eamon Morrissey, Tadhg Murphy, Director: Annie Ryan Kennedy, Megan Kennedy, Ronan Aoife O’Donnell, Derry Power, Set design: Paul O’Mahony Leahy, Frank McCusker, Michael Emily Taaffe Lighting design: McElhatton, Aaron Monaghan, Kevin McFadden Aonghus Óg McAnally, Anita Reeves, The Resistible Rise of Costume design: Gemma Reeves, Karl Shiels, Arturo Ui Sonya Lennon 4 5 6 Áine Stapleton, , by Sound design: Denis Clohessy Ali White 4 November – 6 December Cast: Andrew Bennett, 35 performances John Kavanagh, Catherine Walsh, on the Abbey stage Don Wycherley

Director: Jimmy Fay Set and costume design: Conor Murphy Lighting: Paul Keogan Sound design: Denis Clohessy 7 8 9 10

16 17 abbey theatre 2006 – 2008

VISITING Costume Consultant: national association 2008 ABBEY TALKS Luca Costigliolo of youth drama COMPANIES productions Cast: Fiona Shaw, Catchpenny Twist 2006 Tim Potter by irish premieres of THE CAUCASIAN international work Director: Lynne Parker 26 january A Response to Homeland / 1 february The Making of Homeland / 21 february The Pope’s Children CHALK CIRCLE (co-production with / 6 march Art in the Age of Anxiety / 24 march Being in Baghdad / 30 march Play it again Sam / 4 april THE BROTHERS SIZE by Bertolt Brecht, in Rough Magic) This so-called Disaster / 4 may Aurélia’s Oratorio / 1 june Talking Turgenev / 8 june The Making of A Month AURELIA’S ORATORIO by Tarell Alvin McCraney a version by Frank a production of the in the Country / 27 june Post Show Discussion — Blue/Orange / 6 july Race, Prejudice, Power and the Health a Victoria Thierrée foundry theater in McGuinness Chaplin production 20:Love Service / 14 july ‘A work of art is a unique result of a unique temperament’ / 25 july ‘I love acting. It is so much association with the 28 August – more real than life’ / 3 august ‘Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about’ / 23 august Oscar’s 3 – 13 May 2006 public theatre 1 September 2006 Shadow: Wilde and Modern Ireland / 26 october Meet the Makers: Doubt / 31 october Meet the Makers: 10 performances (new york) 7 performances on the STOP/OVER 16 May – 14 June 2008 Alice Trilogy / 7 november ‘Doubt requires more courage than conviction does’ / 23 november On Diversity / on the Abbey stage Peacock stage by Gary Duggan 12 december Meet the Makers: The School for Scandal 29 performances on the Director: Rachel West TAOUB Peacock stage 2007 Collectif Acrobatique A MIDSUMMER When Cows Go BOOM Director: Tea Alagic de Tangier NIGHT’S DREAM by Stacey Gregg 9 january Homage to Outrage / 16 january It’s Shirley / 23 january Outrage in Business / 26 january The Set Design: Peter Ksander 11 – 21 July 2007 by William Shakespeare Director: Rachel West Unmentionable Shift / 13 february Hello Dolly / 20 february Meet the Makers: Jon Bouser, Set Designer Lighting design: 9 performances 27 – 30 August 2008 / 27 february Me Myself and I / 6 march There is a Tide in the Affairs of Men / 8 march Sam Shepard / Burke Brown on the Abbey stage 7 performances on the Love in a Glass Jar 13 march Lend Me Your Ears /27 march Meet the Makers: Brien Vahey / 3 april One City One Block / 17 april Lighting design: Peacock stage by Nancy Harris Music For the Cavalcaders: No Crows/ 24 april What's a Play For: Why Playwright /30 april Meet the Makers: Zane Philstrom Director: Wayne Jordan Edward Bond /1 may Meet the Makers: Billy Roche / 3 may What’s a Play For? / 8 may American Voices: E. Annie CIRCO DE LA SOMBRA Cast: Keith Eric Proulx / 10 may What's a Play For? Blast Theory and Gob Squad / 15 may What's a Play For? Liz Lerman Dance presented in association Chappelle, Brian Tyree PUBLIC READINGs Exchange / 17 may Mellowchords Barbershop Harmont Chorus / 22 may What's a Play For? Cheap Art Philosophy with Crying Out Loud Henry, Marc Damon Two Houses / 6 june American Voices: Richard Ford / 17 june Meet the Makers: Mark O'Rowe / 26 june 1599 And All That / 1 – 12 April 2008 Johnson 2007 by Belinda McKeon 5 july Meet The Makers: Patrick Mason / 31 july Hadani Ditmars / 7 august What’s A Play For: Canon Fodder? 11 performances Director: Wayne Jordan / 21 august Memory, Forgiveness and Conflict / 4 september Caught up in Controversy /18 september In on the Abbey stage DELIRIUM O’Casey Lesser Conversation: Steven Rea / 9 october In Conversation: / 16 october How we die. Good deaths Created by Theatre O, Known Works Investment PotentiaL real and imagined. / 23 october Meet the makers: Bisi Adigun and Roddy Doyle / 25 october What's a play THE FORSYTHE written by Enda Walsh by Phillip McMahon for? Dead Good Guides / 30 october Meet the makers: Selina Cartmell / 6 november On Playboys: Niamh COMPANY an adaptation of the The Bishop’s Bonfire Director: Deirdre Molloy Greene / 7 november On Playboys: When the Boys are Away / 8 november On Playboys: Something Like Love brothers karamazov Dublin Dance Festival Directed by Wayne Jordan / 13 november Outrageous Fortune — Dr Joe Cleary / 20 november International Playboy Declan Kiberd / 30 August – 17 – 19 May 2008 KAMA 11 december Meet the Makers: Lynn Parker 25 October 2008 Cock-A-Doodle Dandy 3 performances by Paul Murray 29 performances on the Directed by: on the Abbey stage Director: Deirdre Molloy 2008 Peacock stage Roisin McBrinn

10 january What's a Play For? John McGrath / 15 january Meet the Makers: Hélène Montague / 14 february Director: Joseph Alford The Drums of Father Ned Inspiring Love: Shakespeare’s Sonnets / 21 february Inspiring Love: ‘If Not For Love’ / 26 february Meet the HAPPY DAYS Set and costume design: Directed by: Bearing Witness Makers: Annie Ryan / 28 february Meet the Makers: Jon, Jason and Juliet / 6 march Foolish Talk /2 april by Samual Beckett James Humphrey Bairbre Ni Chaoimh Inspiring Love: A Brief History of Contemporary Circus / 3 april Augusto Boal / 3 april Inspiring Love: Oisín a national theatre How Many Miles to Basra? of great britain Lighting design: Grace and Elizabeth McGann / 9 april Meet the Makers: Circo de la Sombra / 10 april Title Deeds: Translating a Classic / 18 april production Aideen Malone by Colin Teevan Meet the Makers: William Forsythe / 23 april What’s a Play For? Greeks!!! / 13 may A Powerful Tale: Donal O’Kelly by Jessica Cooke 3 – 25 October 2008 Composer/Sound: Director: Conall Morrison / 22 may Bearing Witness: Tea Alagic / 22 may What’s a Play For? Allan Buchman / 4 june Meet the Makers: The Directed by 25 performances Gus MacMillan Brothers Size / 10 june What’s a Play For? David Lan / 25 june Meet the Makers: David Leveaux / 1 july Inspired Rachel O’Riordan on the Abbey stage Choreography: Returns By Love: Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill / 10 july Meet the Makers: Charles Mee / 15 july Friel and his ‘Sisters’: Nicholas Eva Vilamitjana Spider and the Lily by Joshua Casteel Grene / 17 july Meet the Makers: Ballgowns and Blood! / 22 july The Death of Criticism? Ronan McDonald / Director: Director: David Gothard Animation and by Conall Quinn 29 july Meet the Makers: Dennis Clohessy / 31 july A Powerful Tale: Little John Nee / 13 august Meet The Makers: Set Design: Tom Pye Illustration: Paddy Molloy Directed by: Jim Culleton Neil Bartlett and Rae Smith / 19 august Wilde Reflections: Gerard Howlin /29 august Wilde Reflections: Justin Associate Set Designer: Cast: Joseph Alford, Zero Hour Bond / 2 september Hugh Lane and the Abbey: Robert O’Byrne / 9 september Wilde Reflections: / Vicki Fifield Goo goo g’joob Julie Bower, Dominic Written and Directed by 23 september Wilde Relfections: Mary Banotti / 4 october State of play / 7 october Meet The Makers: Deborah Lighting design: by Sean McLoughlin Burdess, Nick Lee, Tea Alagic Warner and Fiona Shaw / 17 october Meet The Makers: Theatre O / 21 october Meet The Makers: Fiach Mac Jean Kalman directed by Lucien MacDougall, Conghail with / 12 november Bearing Witness: Sláinte Mr. President / 18 november Bearing Witness: Iraq Sound Score: Mel Mercier Conall Morrison Carolina Valdés Veterans Against The War / 25 november Meet The Makers: Billy Roche and Conor McPherson / 4 december Bearing Sound Design: Witness: John O’Shea / 8 december American Voices: Liz Lerman / 9 december Boxing Clever: / Christopher Scott 11 december Bearing Witness: Colm O’Gorman

18 19 abbey theatre 2006 – 2008

ABBEY THEATRE Finance and Soazig Metrope, Brian Production Awards Sponsors Other Corporate STAFF Administration O’Brien, Gary O’Connell, Andy Keogh, Peter Jordan .... Supporters Colin O’Connor, Aisling , 2006 allianz 2008 edinburgh Anglo Irish Bank Director Accounts Muireann O’Neill Roisin Ní Loinsigh business to arts festival CityJet Allied Irish Bank Fiach Mac Conghail Gina Arkins, Derek award Edinburgh Festival Fringe Garland, Paul Meaghar, Marketing Props Best Ongoing First - Terminus An Post Ciara Gogarty, Nick Director of Finance Pat O’Connell Stephen Molloy, Collaboration - Napa Valley Vintners Arthur Cox .... Hallam, Clare Lynch, Eimer Murphy Anglo Irish Bank and the and Administration RTÉ Bank of Ireland Aoife Lucey, Janice 2008 irish times Declan Cantwell Human Resources Abbey Theatre theatre awards Behaviour and Attitudes Clíona Bolger, McAdam, Jeanette Scenic Artists The Westin Dublin .... Tom Vaughan-Lawlor - Marketing Research Jenny Holland McGarry Keane, Lucy Angie Benner, Brian Literary Director 2006 irish times McKeever Best Actor as Arturio Ui Chubb Insurance Aideen Howard Hegarty, Jennifer theatre awards in The Resistible Rise Of Literary Moonan, Louise Roche, Clarion Consulting Jane Brennan – Arturo Ui Christine Madden, Engage and Learn Craig Starkee Director of Technical Best Actress as Alice in ESB Jessica Traynor Lisa Farrelly, Services and Operations Alice Trilogy Derbhle Crotty - Best Dominic Campbell, Diageo Ireland Tony Wakefield STAGE MANAGEMENT Actress as Masha in Archive Phil Kingston Anne Brodie, Orla Best New Play – Three Sisters Gerard Kelly & Co Ltd Director of Public Affairs Mairéad Delaney, Burke, Stephen Dempsey, Alice Trilogy Building Providers Rae Smith - Best Costume Mairéad Lynch Press and Publicity Tara Furlong, Brendan Sally Anne Tye Declan Conlon – Best Great Western Films Siobhán Colgan, Galvin, Elizabeth Design for Supporting Actor in Independent News & David McCadden Gerhardy, Andrew Killian, An Ideal Husband Honorary Associate Public Affairs A Month In The Country Media Plc Directors Andrea Laurent, Anne Box Office Reception Layde, Kevin Mullery, Mary Murray – Best Irish Life & Permanent Plc ANGLO IRISH BANK Des Byrne, Aoife Brady Donna Murphy John Stapleton Supporting Actress Lisa Richards Agency Tomás MacAnna WRITERS-IN-ASSOCIATION Catherine Casey, in Alice Trilogy McCullough Mulvin Stage Door Enda Walsh (2006) Resident Assistant David Clarke, Stage Technicians Architects 2007 irish times Stuart Carolan (2007/8) Clare Downey, Patrick Whelan Cliff Barraghy, Pat Dillon DirectorS theatre awards Mercer Human Resource Ann Marie Doyle, Gerry Doyle, John Matt Torney Elieen Walsh – ASSOCIATE ARTISTS Consulting Louise Lowe Suzanne Forbes, Technical Finnegan, Patrick Best Actress as B in Bairbre Ní Chaoimh Lorraine Hanna, Gannon,Fred Malone, Mindshare Terminus Denis Clohessy Casting Marie-Claire Hoysted, Cleaning Brian O’Carroll, Original Solutions Ltd Brian Kelly, MickRussell Jimmy Fay – David Gothard Barry Coyle, Aoibhin Kenny Pfizer International Bank Gary Mulligan Best Director for Saved Paul Keogan Holly Ní Chiardha Deborah McHugh, Conall Morrison Europe Iain Mullins, Sound Eleanor Methven – Red Dog Construction Derek Conaghy, Stephen Rea Executive Office Ciarán O’Grady, Best Supporting Actress as Brian Comiskey, Ben Delaney Brien Vahey Select Hardwood Flooring Fiona Reynolds Mardi Osborn Mary in Saved Ken Crowe, Mark Darley, SIPTU John Kavanagh, Mark Costume Sinead Wallace – Voice Development Sumitomo Mitsui Ruth Beckinsale, Oonagh Keane, Bart O’Farrell, Kate Arveschoug, Best Lighting Design Andrea Ainsworth Sunday Business Post Desire, Clíona Donnelly Peter Rose Sandra Gibney, for Saved Donna Gogarty, Total Print Front of House Lighting Marian Kelly, X Communications Gary Andrew, Eoin Byrne, David Niamh Lunny John Baynes, Caroline Carpenter, Kevin Vicky Miller, Byrne, Andrea Cleary, McFadden, Siofra Ní Chiardha, Eileen Collins,Caoimhe Eoin Stapleton Amanda Scott Connolly, Ian Cooke, Lena Culleton, Con Doyle, Maintenance Eimear Hannon, Suzanne Mick Doyle, Kenny, Bridget Lynskey Michael Loughnane, Faust, Lisa McCarthy, Kieran Murtagh Conor Matthews,

staff list at december 2008

20 21 abbey theatre 2006 – 2008

INDIVIDUAL Hender; Anne Heraty; James Hickson; David Higgins; Deborah O’Neill; Seosamh O’Neill; Susan O’Neill; Fiona O’Regan; Miriam Smith; Brian & Lyndall Smyth; Nell Snow; Olive Somers; Shane Hill; George Hogan; Seán & Mary Holahan; Annette Holden; O’Reilly; Paul O’Reilly; Helen O’Rourke; Mary O’Rourke; Anne & Somers; Regina Spollen; Joan Spring; Jonathan & Gillian Supporters Susie Horgan; Frank Houlihan; Tomás Houlihan; Yvette Hudson; Eileen O’Sullivan; Elizabeth O’Sullivan; Ian O’Sullivan; Mary- Staunton; Sara Staunton; Martina Stenson; Orla Sutton; Rita Liz Hughes; Hilary Humphreys; Madeline Humphreys; Monica Rose O’Sullivan; Úna O’Sullivan; Tara O’Sullivan; Valerie O’Toole; Sweeney; Pam Synge; Margaret Tallon; Sarah Taylor; Áine & Philippa Alford; Edel Altman; Iris Andrews; Jean Baker; George Hurson Kelly; Roger Hussey; Liam Irvine; Anne Jefferies; Eleanor Andrew & Delyth Parkes; Ruth Payne; Peader Pierce; Anthony P. Niamh Tennyson; Orla Thornton; Gerard Thunder; Deirdre Balfe; Fred & Margaret Ball; Mary Banotti, Alan Barnwell; Jenkins; Mary Jones; Mary Joyce; Niamh Joyce; Rachel Joyce; Jas Power; Michael Power; Antoinette Quinn; Michelle Quinn; Denis Tobin; Hilary Tovey; Maura Traynor; Ann-Marie Trenaman; Anne Oonagh Barton; Kate Bateman; Anne Berrill; Mia Bitterman; Kalsi; Keith Kanga; Tommy & Anne Keddy; Antoinette M. Reen; Andrew & Catherine Reid; Clodagh Reid; Mary Reynolds; Troy; Yvonne Tuohy; Maire Uí Ainín; Grainne Uí Chaomhánaigh; Patricia Black; Tony Black; Naoise Blake; Anke Boehm; Jennifer Keenan; Francis Keenan; Peter Keenan; Jerome Kelliher; Declan Charles Richards; Aideen Rickard & Brian Merriman; Pauline Violet Uí Dhúlaing; John Urch; Pritti Varna; Michael Wall; Lesley Bolger; Dick Bourke; Gerard Bourke; Irena Boydell; Brendan Kelly; Elaine Kelly; John Kelly; Martin Kelly; Patrick & Maeve Robertson; June Robinson; Donal Roche; Lisa Rodriguez; Eamon Wallace; Pauline Walley; James Walsh; John Walsh; Máire Walsh; Bracken; Geraldine Brady; Kathleen Brangan; Aibhìn Bray; Fiona Kelly; Peter Kelly; Rosalind Kelly; Margo Kelly; Bernard Kennedy; & Maura Rohan; Margaret Rooney; Olive Rossiter; Paul Rossiter; Martina Walsh; Michael Walsh; Philip Walshe; Tony Wann; Breen; Mark Breen; Eamon & Deirdre Brennan; Eilish Brennan; Geraldine Kennedy; Bill Kenny; Marion Kenny; Ingrid Keogh; Nike Ruf; Anne Nancy Ryan; Sinéad Ryan; Gillian Saunders; Louise Ward; David Wheelahan; Bill Whelan; Ciara Whelan; Caroline Breslin; Gaye Breslin; Frances Britton; Michael Broe; Michael Keogh; Maura Kiely; Joan Kilfeather; Seamus Killeen; Oliver Schubert; Fiona Scott; Clodagh Seberry; Jon Sedgwick; Lorraine Whelan; Noreen Whelan; Philip Whiehe; Brendan Padraig Broe; Joe & Mary Brosnan; Paul Brosnan; Anthony Patrick C. Kilroy; Shona Kinsella; John Kirby; Matt Knibbs; Tom Martin Shanagher; Emir Shanahan; Ciaran Shanley; Ray Sheerin; Williams; Tara Williams; David Winterlich; Patrick Winters; Brown; Margaret Browne; Edward Buckley; Joan Buckley; Adrian Laidlaw; James Lally; Ger Lambe; David Langan; Michael Larkin; Alan Sheil; Eamon Sheppard; Nicola Sherry; Philip Sherwood; Francis Wintle; Magdalena Wohl; Joe Wood; John & Siobhan Burke; Mary Burke; Tomas Burke; John & Rosemary Burke; Mary Niall Lavin; Paul Leahy; Fiona Lehane; Caroline Lennon; Linda Olga Short; Emma Sides; Katia Meleady; Ann Simmons; Graham Woodhouse; John Wright; Alan Wyley; Fiona Wynne. Elizabeth Burke Kennedy; Brendan Butler; Michael P. Butler; Leonard; John Lewis; Dan Liddy; Nick Linders; Gary & Veronica Tomas Butler; Ciaran Byrden; Daniel Byrne; Joe Byrne; Matthew Lombard; Nora Lonergan; Patrick Lonergan; Nuala Long; Byrne; Paul Byrne; Zita Byrne; Margaret Cagney; Imelda Cahill; Frances Loughlin; Keith Lowe; Daniel Lucey; Paul Ludden; Mairéad Cahill; Mai Callan; Patricia Callan; Hilary Callanan; Maura Lundberg; Gabrielle Lynch; Lorcan Lynch; Shane Lynch; Terry & Sarah Hill Calvani; John Campbell; Joanne Canniffe; Bridget Lynskey Faust; Mary Mac Aodha; Micheál Mac Carthaigh; THEATRE AS A RESOURCE Kieran & Eimear Canny; Eamonn & Anne Cantwell; Maire John Mac Donald; Una & Arthur Mac Manus; Ciara Mac Namara; Carney; Maureen Carrigan; Clive Carroll; John Joe Carroll; Kathy Gearoid Mac Unfraidh; Stephen MacDonagh; Dion Magee; Carroll; Margaret Carroll; Kevin Casey; Shane Casey; John & Lara Eugene Magee; Bríd Maguire; Leslie Malone; Mary T. Malone; Cashman; Peter Cassells; Marianne Cassidy; Anna Cawley; Lilian Lelia Mangan; Rosemary Manning; Helen Marks; Catherine & Robert Chambers; Síle Chunneagáin; John Clancy; Michael Matthews; Anne Mc Carthy; Joseph Mc Cullough; Mary Mc Ging; Clancy; Adam Clarke; Andrew Clarke; Colum Clarke; Dan Clarke; Susan Mc Grath; Moira Mc Hugh; Paul Mc Kee; Berna Mc Desmond Clarke; Gerald Clarke; Nicola Clarke; David Clerkin; Menamin; James Mc Nally; Eadhmonn & Jo Mc Suibhne; Michael Jim & Dympna Clune; Paul Clynch; Paul Coady; Dominic Cogan; McCabe; Paul McCabe; David McCarthy; Derek McCarthy; Leon Dr. Brendan Colgan; Anthony Collins; Cathy Collins; John Collins; McCarthy; Sinéad McCarthy; Ciara McCarville; Edel McCarville; Maeve Collins; Neil Collins; Brian Connell; James Connolly; June McCormack; Carmel McCrea; Ian McDonald; Ken Matthew & Eileen Connolly; Paul & Trish Conway; Anne Cooke; McDonald; Reenagh McDonald; Eddie McElligott; Niamh Michael Cooke; John Coolahan; Adele Cooper; Sean Copeland; McEvoy; Lauren McGarry; Frank McGovern; Ian McGrath; Siobhan Cotter; Michael A. Crawford; Fionnuala Creed; Hazel Gerard McGuill; Matthew McHugh; Dave McKeon; Brian & Cronin; Phillip Crothers; Helena Hingston; Laura Crowley; Evelyn McMahon; Noirín McManus; Martin S. McNamara; Paul Catherine Cruise; Siobhan Cuffe Wallace; Leigh Cullen; Michael McNeive; Ross McPartland; Siobhán & Marian McRory; Frances Cullen; Irene Culloty; Damien Cumiskey; Gerard Cummiskey; McSharry; Emer McSweeney; Fiona McSweeney; David Mellon; Grace Cunningham; John Cunningham; Mary Cunningham; Pat & Bernie Millar; Paul Mitchell; Patrick Molloy; Pat Monahan; Gregory Curran; Tanya Curry; Ciaran Ferriter; Maureen Daly; Donie & Ann Mooney; Frank Mooney; Alan Moore; Paul Moran; Tom Darragh; Reg Deane; Anne Delaney; Patrick Delaney; Ann Anne Morris; Caroline Mouton; Liam Mulaney; Jane Mulcahy; Desmond; Marie Divers; Barry Doak; Mary Doherty; Anne Monica Mulholland; Deirdre Mulligan; Valerie Mulvin; Breege Dolphin; E. Donaldson; Danielle Donnelly; John Donnelly; Oliver Murphy; Caroline Murphy; Jackie Murphy; James Murphy; John & Bernie Hyland Donohue; Thomas Dooley; Dáibhí Doran; Murphy; Michelle Murphy; Pat Murphy; Patrick Murphy; Patsy J. Michael Doran; Helen Dowling; Lorraine Downes; Jill Downey; Murphy; Barbara Murray; Eoin Murray; William & Frances Elizabeth Doyle; Jean Doyle; Joan Doyle; Aine Duffy; Rosemary Murray; Frank & Evelyn Murray; Niamh Murtagh; Patrick Myers; Duffy; Colman & Eve Duggan na Dunne; John P. English; Matt Jadel Naidoo; Claire Nardoon; Carmel Naughton; Madeline English; Anna Envall; Eleanor Ewings; Niamh Fagan; Paula Nesbitt; Aine Neville; Bernie Ni Ruadaigh; Giuliano Nistri; Jug Fagan; Brian Farley; Craig Farrell; Eoin Feeney; Connie Fennell; Nives; Fintan Nixon; Jane Nolan; John Nolan; Kathleen Nolan; Cartan Finegan; Sean Finlay; Ian Finnegan; Mark Fitzgerald; Annette Nugent; Anraí Ó Braonain; Seán & Eibhlín O’Broin; Mary Fitzgerald; Paddy Fitzgerald; Mr & Mrs Fitzmaurice; Séamus Ó Cinnéide; Michéal Ó Conghaile; Aonghus O’Cuilinn; Stephen & Orla Fitzpatrick; Dan Flinter; Monica Flood; Elizabeth Michéal & Maire Ó Gruagáin; Clare O’Keeffe; Aisling O’Beirne; Flynn; Philip Flynn; Dave Fogarty; Sheena Forde; Tony Francis; Dearbhla O’Boyle; Olivia O’Boyle; Claire O’Brien; Geraldine Ann Fuller; Tom & Roberta Gallagher; Sinéad Gallagher; Paula O’Brien; Patrick O’Byrne; Bernadette O’Connell; Tom O’Connor; Galvin; Robert Ganly; Kathy Garvey; Sean & Maura Gaynor; Eoin Fionán Ó Cuinneagain; Ethel O’Dea; Emma O’Doherty; Pauric Geraghty; Sean Geraghty; Simon Geraghty; Joann Giles; Tony & O’Doherty; Róisín O’Doherty; Vincent O’Doherty; Ailín O’Donnell; The Abbey received funding from the Department of Education and Science to fund a Catherine Gillhawley; Áine Gilligan; Robbie Gilligan; Michael Frances O’Donnell; Jacqueline O’Donnell; James O’Donnell; Gleeson; Scott Golden; Irene Goldrick; David Gorman; Marita Mark O’Donnell; Mary O’Donnell; Val O’Donnell; Anne Theatre as a Resource (TAR) programme, aimed to introduce theatre to schools serving Gorman; Jennifer Gormley; Anne Grace; Gwyn Grace; Richard O’Donoghue; Pat O’Donoghue; Maeve & Michael O’Donohue; disadvantaged areas. From 2006 – 2008 over 2,000 students took part in workshops and Greene; Paul & Sheila Grimes; Adrienne Groake; W.A. Hackett; Philomena O’Dowd; Laurie O’Driscoll; Paddy O’Dwyer; Ciara theatre visits linked to productions of Homeland, Julius Caesar, Romeo & Juliet and Liam Haines; Brian Halpin; Gerard Hamilton; Grainne Hamilton; O’Farrell; Colette O’Flaherty; Séamus O’Flaherty; Paul O’Grady; The Brothers Size. Hugh & Joy Hanley; Bridget Hanrahan; Claire Hanson; Catherine Billy O’Hara; Mick O’Hara; Lilian O’Kane; Peter & Brenda Hardiman; Don Harris; Jean Harrison; Ann Harte; Bill Harvey; O’Leary; Edel O’Leary; Kate O’Leary; Tom O’Loughlin; Michael V. Kathleen Heaney; Betty & Brian Hegarty; Ruth Hegarty; Jim O’Mahony; Edelle O’Malley; Fionan O’Muircheartaigh; Margaret

22 23 abbey theatre Images and reviews

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui By Bertolt Brecht Directed by Jimmy Fay 11 November – 6 December 2008

‘Tom Vaughan-Lawlor [right] is utterly compelling as the irrepressible Ui ...Visually, the courtroom scene is a jaw-dropper while the re- enacted image of a woman pelted with bullets lingers long after the curtain falls – as indeed do the play’s frighteningly contemporary parallels.’ Lucy White/ Metro/14.11.08

Pictured: Tom Vaughan-Lawlor 24 ‘The Abbey’s new production is a Romeo and Juliet for our times, combining true idiosyncrasy with the Bard’s ever-relevant themes.’ Colin Murphy, Sunday Tribune, 17.02.08

ROMEO & JULIET by William Shakespeare Directed by Jason Byrne 12 February – 17 March

Pictured: Aaron Monaghan & Gemma Reeves

26 World Premiere Kicking a Dead Horse Written & Directed by Sam Shepard 18 January – 18 Februrary 2006 ‘The chief pleasure lies in watching Rea’s performance. He captures supremely the character’s mix of the elegiac and the absurd.’ Michael Billington, , 13.09.08

The Burial at Thebes By Seamus Heaney Directed by Patrick Mason 4 April – 3 May 2008

‘Seamus Heaney’s adaptation of the Greek tragedy Antigone is a triumph ...The acting is excellent, the set perfect, Patrick Mason’s direction adroit.’ Tom Rowe/Village/01.05.08

Pictured: (Above) Gemma Reeves & Kathy Rose O’Brien (Opposite Page) Stephen Rea

28 ‘The only riot at the opening night of the new version of The Playboy of the irish Premiere world Premiere Woman And Scarecrow The Playboy Western World was riotous laughter. By Marina Carr of the Western World Directed by Selina Cartmell In a new version Deservedly so. The wickedly updated 6 October – 10 November 2007 by Bisi Adigun and Roddy Doyle Directed by Jimmy Fay ‘Carr’s characteristically-dark 29 September – version by Bisi Adigun and Roddy Doyle tale is a wild, beautiful, fierce 24 November 2007 and funny creation brilliantly is a winner all the way.’ brought to life by director Selina Cartmell.’ Paula Shields/ Emer O’Kelly, Sunday Independent, 07.10.07 /12.10.07

Pictured: (Above – Clockwise from Left) Olu Jacobs, Kate Brennan, Aoife Duffin, Joe Hanley Phelim Drew & Charlene Gleeson; (Opposite Page) Barbara Brennan & Olwen Fouéré

30 World Premiere Homeland Written & Directed by Paul Mercier 18 January – 18 Februrary 2006

‘(Mac Conghail’s) choice of Mercier for what could be considered his inaugural production constitutes a bold statement that the Abbey is going to engage head-on with contemporary Irish society – An entertaining night at the theatre and a step in the right direction.’ Ian Kilroy/Irish Examiner/19.01.06

Pictured: (Left to Right) David Pearse, Andrew Bennett, Katy Davis Norma Sheahan, Liam Carney & Gabriel Reidy

32 irish Premiere The Seafarer By Conor McPherson Directed by Jimmy Fay 2 May – 7 June 2008

Pictured: (Above) Don Wycherley & Maelíosa Stafford (Opposite Page) Joe Doyle & Ruth Negga

‘The Seafarer is a fine theatrical World Premiere achievement … Conor McPherson’s Lay Me Down Softly Written by Billy Roche superb dialogue captures with utter Directed by Wilson Milam 19 November – 13 December 2008 credibility the type of desperate, ‘There’s plenty to enjoy here, not only in the careful recreation of a self-destructive people he depicts…’ lost world, but in Ferdia Murphy’s splendid set.’ Edward O’Hare, Sunday Tribune, 11.05.08 Daragh Reddin/Metro/21.11.08

35 Three Sisters By Anton Chekhov in a new version by Brian Friel Directed by David Leveaux 18 June – 2 August 2008

‘This production leaves nothing to chance: you can’t misunderstand a moment or a nuance, and Leveaux’s cast rise breathtakingly to the challenge of the tempestuous pace and almost insane levels of emotion ...this is ragingly wonderful, classic theatre.’ Emer O’Kelly/Sunday Independent/ 29.06.08

Pictured: (Left to Right) Derbhle Crotty, Justine Mitchell & Emily Taaffe

36 ‘Terminus is a fantastic piece of writing, O’Rowe’s best so far, because it recognises that this fractured Ireland needs a new mythology, its own daring and heart-thumping epic, to bind us together in story.’ Peter Crawley/The Irish Times/15.06.07

irish Premiere World Premiere TERMINUS ALICE TRILOGY Written & Directed Written and Directed by Tom Murphy by Mark O’Rowe 10 October – 9 June - 7 July 4 November 2006

‘Directed by the playwright, Jane Brennan gives a luminous performance as Alice ... in a language that has an incredible level of fierce and fearless honesty. An intelligent and deeply affecting piece of theatre.’ Trish Murphy, Event Guide, 20.10.06 Pictured: (Above – Left to Right) Andrea Irvine, Aidan Kelly & Eileen Walsh; (Opposite Page) Jane Brennan 39 abbey theatre 2006 – 2008

board honorary council Abbey Theatre/ Bryan McMahon (Chairman) Kathleen Barrington Amharclann na Mainistreach In 2007 internationally renowned designer Jean-Guy Lecat and Irish Catherine Byrne Conor Bowman 26 Lower Abbey Street architect John Keogan transformed the Abbey auditorium, with a new floor Tom Hickey Siobhán Bourke Dublin 1 Olwen Fouéré Loretta Brennan Glucksman tel: + 353 1 887 2200 design and seating. This enhanced the acoustics, created an intimacy Suzanne Kelly Frank Cuneen fax: + 353 1 872 9177 between the audience and actors and has been unanimously applauded. Declan Kiberd Mairéad Delaney www.abbeytheatre.ie It has transformed the theatrical experience at the Abbey Theatre. Dr. Jim Mountjoy Eugene Downes ------Eugene O’Brien Paddy Duffy photographic credits: Maurice O’Connell Clare Duignan Cover images and p17: Lynne Parker John Fairleigh Marina Carr by Colm Hogan, John Stapleton Clive Geraghty Seamus Heaney by Norman Des Geraghty McBeath, Mark O’Rowe, 1 2 3 Eithne Healy Paul Mercier, Roddy Doyle & Peadar Lamb Bisi Adigun by Ros Kavanagh 4 5 67 John Lynch Billy Roche by Simon Houston Tomás MacAnna p23: Simon Houston Patricia McBride p25/26/27/29/30/31/32/33/37/ 8 9 10 11 Muriel McCarthy 38/40: Ros Kavanagh Paul Mercier p34/39: Colm Hogan Jimmy Murphy cover images Donal Nevin 1. Billy Roche; 2. Marina Carr; 3. Mark O’Rowe; Edna O’Brien 4. Paul Mercier; 5. Seamus Heaney; 6. Sam Shepard; Ulick O’Connor 7. Bisi Adigun; 8. Brian Friel; 9. Conor McPherson; Peter Rose Designed by zero-g 10. Tom Murphy; 11. Roddy Doyle Board at December 2008 John Stapleton Printed on 100% recycled stock

40 ABBEY THEATRE AMHARCLANN

A E H T Y E B B A NA MAINISTREACH E R T

H C A E R T S I N I A M A N N N A L C R A H M A Three-year review 2006–2008 8 0 0 2 – 6 0 0 2

www.abbeytheatre.ie