APRIL – SEPT 2010 - Abbey Theatre

APRIL – SEPT 2010ABBEYTHEATREAMHARCLANN NA MAINISTREACHwww.abbeytheatre.ie

fáilteAs I write this the Oireachtas Joint Committeeon the Constitution is examining electoral reformand the nature of our political culture. All sectorsof Irish society are questioning the ways in whichwe might understand and find solutions to themoral, financial and political bankruptcy of ourRepublic.The Abbey Theatre is engaged in this debatetoo. Over the last five years, we have discussedthe great issues of our day through the playswe present on our stages. I feel as strongly nowas I did when I started in 2005 that the AbbeyTheatre as the national theatre needs to be at theforefront of political and artistic discussion and toparticipate in the national conversation. Our job isWELCOMEto the newseason at theAbbey TheatreAgus mé á scríobh seo tá an ComhchoisteOireachtais ar an mBunreacht ag déanamhscrúdú ar athchóiriú an chórais toghcháin agusar nádúr ár gcultúir pholaitiúil. Tá gach earnáilde shochaí na hÉireann ag ceistiú na mbealaí inabhféadfaimis teacht ar thuiscint ar chlisiúnasmorálta, airgeadais agus polaitiúil na Poblachtaseo againne agus réitigh a fháil air.Tá Amharclann na Mainistreach gafa leisan díospóireacht sin freisin. Le cúig blianaanuas is amhlaidh a phléamar mórcheisteannaár linne trí na drámaí a láithrímid ar ár stáitsí.Mothaím chomh láidir céanna anois agus amhothaíos nuair a thosaigh mé amach in 2005nach mór d’Amharclann na Mainistreach maran amharclann náisiúnta a bheith ar thúscadhnaíochta sa phlé ar chúrsaí polaitiúla agusto reflect, provoke, entertain and provide a stagefor debate.Ever since we presented Julius Caesar (2006)I felt that Shakespeare has offered clarity onand a platform to discuss the political context inIreland. This year, I decided to present Macbeth,Shakespeare’s epic play of ambition, power andthe consequences of our deeds. We welcomeback to our stage a great company of Irish actorsled by Aidan Kelly and Eileen Walsh and directedby Jimmy Fay.Almost a year after the publication of what’sbecome known as the Ryan Report, we feelcompelled to mark its findings. We offer TheDarkest Corner series as a modest contribution tothis process.In our response to the RyanReport we’ve turned to a new form oftheatre-making for the Abbey Theatre.We’ve commissioned the awardwinningwriter and broadcaster Mary Raftery tocollaborate with director Róisín McBrinnto present to Irish audiences for the firstealaíne agus a bheith rannpháirteachsan agallamh náisiúnta. Is é ár gcúramíomhá den saol a léiriú, an pobal aspreagadh, siamsaíocht a sholáthar agusstáitse a chur ar fáil don díospóireachtRiamh anall ó rinneamar JuliusCaesar a láithriú (2006), bhraitheas gobhfuil teacht i saothar Shakespeare ar shoiléirear an gcomhthéacs polaitiúil in Éirinn agus arardán chun an comhthéacs sin a phlé. Chinneas arMacbeth a chur i láthair i mbliana, dráma eipiciúilShakespeare faoin uaillmhian, faoin gcumhachtagus faoina leanann as ár ngníomhartha.Cuirimid fáilte ar ais chuig ár stáitse roimhmhórchomplacht aisteoirí Éireannacha faoicheannas Aidan Kelly agus Eileen Walsh agus iadfaoi stiúir Jimmy Fay.Anois agus beagnach bliain ann ó foilsíodhan tuarascáil sin ar a dtugtar Tuarascáil Ryanbraithimid go bhfuil dualgas orainn suntas adhéanamh dá bhfuil tugtha chun solais aige. Tá antsraith The Darkest Corner á tairiscint againn marchion beag dár gcuid i dtaca leis an bpróiseas sin.Sa fhreagairt uainn ar Thuarascáil Ryan2

abbey theatreLAURENCE KINLAN IN CHRIST DELIVER US! BY THOMAS KILROY PHOTOGRAPH BY ROS KAVANAGH - www.roskavanagh.com3

new seasontime the selected testimony of the Ryan Report inthe form of documentary theatre.In 1961 the Abbey Theatre staged a courtroom drama about institutional care that wasto prove both controversial and hugely popular,running for over 80 performances. We will presenta rehearsed reading of The Evidence I Shall Giveby Richard Johnson as part of The Darkest Cornerseries. This play was specially mentioned in theRyan Report.We conclude the series with the extraordinarywork, James X, written, directed and performed byMannix Flynn.We continue our support to artists bycommissioning the iconic performer Jean Butler.Many of you, I’m sure, will be familiar with her workin Riverdance, The Show. Over the last few years,she has moved away from her history and trainingin Irish dance to forge a career as a distinctivecontemporary dance artist. Now, in partnershipwith the Dublin Dance Festival, we offer you theopportunity to see Jean make her debut here withthe world premiere of DAY.For great work to be achieved it also has toentertain, to connect with us and our surroundings.Bernard Farrell is just such a writer; Bookworms isjust such a play.In Bookworms, Bernard Farrell introducesus to the delicate, fraught world of middle classsuburban Dublin, in post Celtic Tiger Ireland. It is acomedy full of brio which tackles the complicatedand strict rules of the book club: the greatest Irishphenomenon since bridge. A hugely popular andprolific playwright, we warmly welcome Bernardback to the Abbey Theatre and are delighted toteam him up with director Jim Culleton, making hisAbbey stage debut.tá aghaidh tugtha againn ar chineál nuaamharclannaíocht i gcás Amharclann naMainistreach. Choimisiúnaíomar Mary Raftery,scríbhneoir agus craoltóir a bhfuil duaiseannagnóthaithe aici, le dul i gcomhpháirt le RóisínMcBrinn, stiúrthóir, d’fhonn fianaise atároghnaithe as Tuarascáil Ryan a chur i láthair luchtféachana Éireannach den chéad uair i bhfoirmtéatair faisnéise.I 1961 rinne Amharclann na Mainistreachdráma seomra cúirte i dtaobh cúraim in institiúida stáitsiú. Dráma ba ea é a bhí ina ábhar conspóideagus a raibh an-éileamh ag an bpobal air. Leansé ar aghaidh ar feadh 80 taibhiú. Láithreoimidcleachtléitheoireacht den dráma sin, The EvidenceI Shall Give le Richard Johnson, mar chuid dentsraith The Darkest Corner. Tagraíodh go sonrachdon dráma sin i dTuarascáil Ryan.Cuirfimid bailchríoch ar an tsraith leis ansaothar neamhghnách, James X, arna scríobh,arna stiúradh agus arna thaibhiú ag Mannix Flynn.Leanaimid dár dtacaíocht a thabhairtd’ealaíontóirí tríd an taibheoir íocónach JeanButler a choimisiúnú. Tá mé cinnte de go bhfuilcur amach ag cuid mhór agaibh ar a cuid oibre inRiverdance, The Show. Le blianta beaga anuas, tásí imithe go leataobh óna cúlra agus a cuid oiliúnasa damhsaíocht Éireannach d’fhonn gairmréim achruthú di féin mar ealaíontóir saintréitheach sadamhsaíocht chomhaimseartha. Déanaimid anois,i gcomhpháirt le Féile Dhamhsaíochta BhaileÁtha Cliath, an deis a thabhairt daoibh le Jean afheiceáil agus í ag dul ar an stáitse den chéad uairanseo leis an gcéad léiriú ar domhan de DAY.D’fhonn mórshaothar a bheith curtha i gcrích,níor mhór go mbainfeadh daoine taitneamh asagus go dteagmhódh sé linn agus lena bhfuiltimpeall orainn. Scríbhneoir den chineál sinbaileach is ea Bernard Farrell; agus dráma denchineál sin baileach is ea Bookworms.In Bookworms, déanann Bernard Farrellsaol íogair, strusmhar lucht na meánaicme imbruachbhailte Bhaile Átha Cliath i ndiaidh réan Tíogair Cheiltigh in Éirinn a chur in aithnedúinn. Is coiméide é atá lán brio a théann i ngleicle rialacha casta dochta an chlub leabhar; anfeiniméan is mó in Éirinn ó tugadh cluiche cártaíbeiriste thar loch isteach. Drámadóir an-táirgiúilis ea Bernard Farrell a bhfuil an-ghlacadh leis agan bpobal agus cuirimid fáilte chroíúil roimhe arais chuig Amharclann na Mainistreach. Is cúisáthais dúinn é a chur ag obair i gcomhpháirt le Jim4

abbey theatreDavid McWilliams understands botheconomics and entertainment. In a unique theatrepiece, Outsiders, David offers a narrative of therecent collusion between the insiders of the Irishpolitical system and the financial sector.We welcome him as he makes his Abbey Theatredebut in this reflective, engaged andhumorous piece.At the heart of this season we questionthe very foundation of the Republic through ourproduction of The Plough and the Stars.One of the reasons we asked Wayne Jordan,one of our Associate Artists, to direct both ChristDeliver Us! and The Plough and the Stars, wasto engage that younger generation who have nofolk memory of the foundation of the State orthe callous gulags of industrial schools. We arelooking to young artists such as Wayne to bringhope, clarity and their theatrical vision to ourcurrent predicament.Sean O’Casey was critical of the idealism ofthe 1916 Rising. Ninety four years on, his greatdrama The Plough and the Stars, a play born out ofthe crucible of the founding of the Republic, stillallows Irish theatre artists to comment on societyand the manifestation of those ideals today. It is animportant play for us to stage at this time.The future of our Republic lies with all of us.Attending the national theatre can be part of theprocess of engagement and debate.We hope in the following pages you willfind work that interests or intrigues you, thatchallenges your expectations and rousesyour sense of citizenship. We look forward towelcoming you to the Abbey Theatre over thecoming months and to continuing the nationalconversation with you.Culleton, stiúrthóir, atá ag dul i mbun a cheirde arstáitse Amharclann na Mainistreachden chéad uair.Tá tuiscint ag David McWilliams ar aneacnamaíocht agus ar an tsiamsaíocht araon.I bpíosa téatair uathúil, Outsiders, tairgeannsé insint dúinn ar an gclaonpháirtíocht a bhíann le déanaí idir lucht taobh istigh chóraspolaitiúil na hÉireann agus lucht na hearnálaairgeadais. Fáiltímid roimhe agus é ag teacht chunAmharclann na Mainistreach den chéad uair leisan bpíosa machnamhach gafa greannmhar seo.I gcroílar an tséasúir ceistímid an bonn féinatá faoin bPoblacht lenár léiriú ar The Plough andthe Stars.Ceann de na cúiseanna ar iarramar ar WayneJordan, duine dár nEalaíontóirí Comhlacha, andá dhráma Christ Deliver Us! agus The Ploughand the Stars araon a léiriú, ná le dul i ngreim leisan nglúin óg sin nach bhfuil aon daonchuimhneacu ar bhunú an Stáit ná ar na gúlagannafuarchroíocha sin arbh iad na scoileannasaothair iad. Táimid ag súil leis go n-éireoidh lehealaíontóirí óga ar nós Wayne dóchas, soiléireagus fís amharclannaíochta a chur i gcion ar angcruachás ina bhfuilimid.Bhí Sean O’Casey cáinteach ar idéalachas ÉiríAmach 1916. 94 bliain anonn, déanann anmórdhráma dá chuid, The Plough and the Stars,ar dráma é a fáisceadh as breogán bhunú naPoblachta, deis a thabhairt i gcónaí d’ealaíontóiríamharclannaíochta na hÉireann trácht a déanamhar an tsochaí agus ar a bhfuil le feiceáil de na hidéilsin inniu. Is dráma tábhachtach dúinn é lenastáitsiú ag an tráth seo.Fúinn féin atá todhchaí ár bPoblachta.Féadann freastal ar an amharclann náisiúnta abheith mar chuid de phróiseas na gafachta agus nadíospóireachta.Tá súil againn go n-aimseoidh tú saothar snaleathanaigh seo a leanas a mbeidh spéis agat annnó a mhúsclóidh do spéis, a thabharfaidh dúshlándo chuid ionchas agus a spreagfaidh spiorad nasaoránachta ionat. Táimid ag súil le fáilte a churromhat chuig Amharclann na Mainistreach igcaitheamh na míonna atá romhainn amach agusle leanúint den agallamh náisiúnta leat.Fiach Mac ConghailDirector Stiúrthóir5

on the abbey stageMacbethWILLIAM SHAKESPEAREOver 400 years after it was written, Shakespeare’s darkdepiction of ambition, guilt and murder continues tosend a shiver down the spine.Macbeth’s sword is still wet with blood when he returns victorious from battle, a loyal servantto his King and a hero amongst his comrades. But when three weird sisters cross his pathwith mysterious prophecies, Shakespeare’s fearful tragic hero comes face to face with hismost fierce opponent yet – his destiny.Swayed by promises of greatness and the demands of a power-hungry wife, Macbethstorms his way to power – and moral decay.Rooted in the Irish landscape at the time of Cromwell, this muscular new production fromdirector Jimmy Fay (The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, The Playboy of the Western World, Agesof the Moon) lays bare the darkest side of human nature.Macbeth continues our commitment to presenting the work of William Shakespeareand follows our productions of Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar and The Comedy of Errors.Aidan Kelly will play Macbeth and Eileen Walsh will play Lady Macbeth in this thrillingnew production.7 April – 15 MayPreviews: 30 March – 6 April(No performances Friday 2 or Monday 5 April)7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2pmTickets: €13 – €38Book now on (01) 87 87 222or www.abbeytheatre.ieAssisted performances:Sign language interpreted performance:Wednesday 5 May, 2pmAudio described and captioned performance:Saturday 15 May, 2pmsee page 28 for more informationMatinee Club:Saturday 15 May, 2pmsee page 24 for more informationDirector: Jimmy FaySet design: Paul O’MahonyLighting design: Paul KeoganCostume design: Catherine FaySound design and Original music: Philip StewartFight director: Paul BurkeCast: Malcolm Adams, Ian-Lloyd Anderson,Charlie Bonner, Robert Donnelly, Gavin Fullam,Andrea Irvine, John Kavanagh, Gráinne Keenan,Aidan Kelly, Phil Kingston, Ronan Leahy,Michael McElhatton, Diarmaid Murtagh,Kate Nic Chonaonaigh, Bríd Ní Neachtain,Rory Nolan, Jason Quinn, Karl Shiels, Eileen WalshFor more information visit:www.bebo.com/macbeth_abbey6

‘It will have blood; they say, blood will have blood’Photograph by Ryan Jay - www.ryanjay.com7

and also...MacbethTALK / WORKSHOP8 AprilThe Politics of PowerDr Stephen O’Neill, NUI Maynooth,discusses politics, power andparanoia in Shakespeare’s plays.Thursday 8 April, 6pmTickets: €3 (free to members)8 MAYTalking TextJoin our Voice Director, AndreaAinsworth, for a voice workshop onthe Abbey stage, using text fromMacbeth.Saturday 8 May, 10am – 1pmTickets: €40 (includes a light lunchand ticket to the matinee performance)8

ON THE PEACOCK STAGETHE DARKESTCORNERIn May 2009 the High Court judge Sean Ryan finallyrevealed the 2,600-page report of Ireland’s Commissionto Inquire into Child Abuse (commonly known as the RyanReport). This report followed a nine year investigationinto allegations of child sexual, physical and emotionalabuse in Catholic Church-run institutions.james x: Photograph by PERRY OGDEN Archive photograph of The Evidence I Shall Give (1961) by James G. MaguireIn responding to the report, Taoiseach Brian Cowen claimed it shone apowerful light into ‘the darkest corner of the history of the State’. Under thetitle The Darkest Corner, we present a series of work which both remembersand reflects on these findings.13 – 24 AprilNoEscape26 AprilThe EvidenceI Shall Give29 April – 1 MayJamesX9

Wednesday 14 –Saturday 24 AprilPreview: Tuesday 13 April8pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pmTickets: €15 – €25Sign languageinterpreted performanceThursday 22 April, 8pmDirector: Róisín McBrinnSet design: Alyson CumminsLighting design: Paul KeoganCostume design:Donna GeraghtySound design: Ivan Birthistle& Vincent DohertyCast: Jane Brennan, LorcanCranitch, Michele Forbes,Eamonn Hunt, Eleanor Methven,Donal O’Kelly, Jonathan WhiteMonday 26 April only6pmTickets: €4 – €6Director: Sophie MotleyTHE DARKESTCORNERticketpackagesSee two or moreevents and saveup to €5.Call Box Office on(01) 87 87 222for details.the darkest corner on the peacock stageNO ESCAPECompiled and edited by Mary RafteryIn her 1999 film States of Fear and follow up book Suffer the LittleChildren, celebrated writer and journalist Mary Raftery exposedthe widespread abuse of children in institutions run by the Church.She continues to interrogate this issue with No Escape, a piece ofdocumentary theatre based on the findings of the Ryan Report.No Escape is an Abbey Theatre commissionPlease note that the content of No Escape is disturbing.Over 16s only. Parental guidance necessary.THE EVIDENCEI SHALL GIVERICHARD JOHNSONA reading of the controversial play which premiered at the Abbeyin 1961. A courtroom drama, this striking play centres on the caseof a 13-year old girl, transferred from an orphanage to an industrialschool due to her alleged indiscipline.Richard Johnson was a District Court judge in County Kerry and the work,which is said to be based on actual events, was highlighted in the Ryan Report.Thursday 29 April –Saturday 1 May8pmTickets: €15 – €25JAMES XWritten AND directedby Gerard Mannix FlynnA Farcry Productions presentation‘…an account of life literally from the womb, and of the tribulationsthat beset a child’s passage through a country that is portrayed asgrim, authoritarian and deeply prejudiced against him and his kind’.Bruce ArnoldSuitable for over 12s.10

and also...THE DARKEST CORNERMEET THE MAKERS/ TALKSThursday 15 April, 6pmMary Raftery& Róisín McBrinnWriter Mary Raftery and directorRóisín McBrinn discuss the processof making documentary theatre withLiterary Director, Aideen Howard.Tuesday 20 April, 6pmThe Politics of Abuse:Bruce ArnoldWriter and journalist Bruce Arnoldin conversation with DirectorFiach Mac Conghail about thepolitical failure to respond to therecent reports on and cover upof clerical abuse.Thursday 22 April, 6pmGerard Mannix FlynnArtist and independent CityCouncillor Gerard Mannix Flynnaddresses issues ofinstitutionalisation.Tickets: €3 (free to members)11

world premiere / text on the peacock stageDAYA Dublin Dance Festival and Abbey Theatre productionThe Abbey Theatre and Dublin Dance Festival aredelighted to present Jean Butler in an engagingnew work by Tere O’Connor (USA).Jean asked Tere to create this solo for her, one which departs from her long history andtraining in Irish Dance. Entitled DAY, the piece explores the ways we come to know a personbeyond the narrative of his/her life. It questions how much we can really know someone andif our projections constitute our knowing more than the actual truth.DAY continues our long history of commissioning and presenting dance work whichbegan with Dame Ninette de Valois’s school in the 1920s.DAY is an Abbey Theatre commission19 – 22 May8pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pmTickets: €17 – €22Book now on (01) 87 87 222or www.abbeytheatre.ieChoreography: Tere O’ConnorPerformer: Jean ButlerDesign: Michael O’ConnorScore: James BakerDAY is presented as part ofDublin Dance Festival which runsfrom 8 – 23 May.www.dublindancefestival.ie12

abbey theatreMEET THE MAKERSJean Butler& Tere O’ConnorPost-show discussion.Thursday 20 May, approx. 8.45pmIn association with Dublin Dance FestivalAdmission free, but please book.Photograph by CUAN HANLY13

WORLD PREMIERE / ON THE ABBEY STAGEBOOKWORMSBERNARD FARRELLSkeletons leap from suburban closets in Bookworms,Bernard Farrell’s hilarious and razor-sharp vision ofa household savaged by the Celtic Tiger.This month’s Book Club hostess Ann is struggling to stay calm, desperate to deliver theperfect evening of literary classics and late-night canapés. But when the all-female groupinvite their husbands to join the club, and a mysterious figure pays a visit from an upstairsroom, everyone is forced to contend with a lot more than just Virginia Woolf.Opinions are challenged, suspicions aroused and tempers flare as their daily lives unravelinto a saga to rival even the most outrageous fiction.Director Jim Culleton brings to life this hugely entertaining new play by the popular andcelebrated playwright Bernard Farrell (I Do Not Like Thee Doctor Fell, Canaries, Lovers atVersailles) in an evening of wine and cheese, mystery and mayhem.Bookworms is an Abbey Theatre commission1 June – 10 JulyPreviews: 22 May – 31 May7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2pmTickets: €13 – €38Book now on (01) 87 87 222or www.abbeytheatre.ieAssisted performances:Sign language interpreted performance:Thursday 1 July, 7.30pmAudio described and captioned performance:Saturday 3 July, 2pmsee page 28 for more informationMatinee Club:Saturday 3 July, 2pmsee page 24 for more informationDirector: Jim CulletonSet design: Anthony LambleCast includes: Deirdre Donnelly, Phelim Drew,Karen Egan, Liz Fitzgibbon, Michael Glenn Murphy,Marion O’Dwyer‘…and Larry, let’s try to showeverybody that, recession or norecession, we are contented,confident and happy – and thatthis evening is going to be fun!’Bring your book club!Bring your book club to Bookworms! We havediscounted tickets for groups of 6 or more. Or why nothave your book club meeting pre-show in theAbbey Bar over a coffee. Better still a G&T!Call (01) 87 87 222 for details.14

and also...MEET THE MAKERS / TALKSThursday 10 June, 6pmBinding BooksJoin our panel of bookworms for a chatabout their very favourite books.Tickets: €3 (free to members)photo by Ellen StaggTHURSDAY 24 June, 6pmBernard FarrellWriter Bernard Farrell on Bookworms.Tickets: €3 (free to members)15

AND ALSO...TALKS/WORKSHOPS/MEET THE MAKERSJimmy Fay has directed someof our most successful recentplays, including Ages of theMoon and The Playboy of theWestern World. He co-foundedthe Dublin Fringe Festival andis Artistic Director of BedrockProductions. Page 6Mary Raftery is an awardwinningtelevision producerand director. Her documentaryseries States of Fear (1999) ledto the establishment of theCommission to Inquire intoChild Abuse, resulting in theRyan Report. We are proudto be working with her onNo Escape, the first piece ofdocumentary theatre in Ireland.Page 10Róisín McBrinn last workedwith us as a director on TheFairer Sex. She has just wonthe Quercus Award from theNational Theatre and WestYorkshire Playhouse. Herupcoming work includesNovecento for the DonmarWarehouse. Page 10Richard Johnson was born inLimerick in 1895. His timely play,The Evidence I Shall Give, aboutmotherless children in Ireland, isbased on his forty-three yearsof experience as District Courtjudge in County Kerry. Page 10Gerard Mannix Flynn is anartist, performer, author anda member of Aosdána.He is co-founder of FarcryProductions, and anindependent City Councillorfor the South East area ofDublin. His play, James X, wonthe Irish Times Theatre Awardfor Best New Play in 2004.Page 10Tere O’Connor is adistinguished Americanchoreographer who has beencreating dance works since1982. Page 12Jean Butler has been dancingfor over 30 years, and is wellknown for her lead role inRiverdance, the Show. This isher first time working with theAbbey Theatre. Page 12BERNARD FARRELL is a hugelypopular and prolific playwrightwith whom we have a longassociation. A former Writerin-Associationwith us and amember of Aosdána, he haswritten twenty-one plays, tenof which were premiered hereincluding I Do Not Like TheeDoctor Fell. Welcomeback Bernard!Page 14Jim Culleton is Artistic Directorof Fishamble: the new playcompany. He recently directedStrandline and SebastianBarry’s The Pride of ParnellStreet which has tourednationally and internationally.We are delighted to welcomehim as he makes his directorialdebut on the Abbey stage.Page 14David McWilliams was oncean investment banker. Henow earns his crust as anindependent economist whowrites. We are delighted he ismaking his theatrical debutwith us. Page 18Wayne Jordan is one of ourAssociate Artists. He mostrecently directed ThomasKilroy’s Christ Deliver Us! He isArtistic Director of Randolf SD |The Company and an AssociateArtist of Project Arts Centre,where most of his work hasbeen staged. Page 20Thursday 8 April , 6pmThe Politics of PowerTalk with Dr Stephen O’NeillThursday 15 April, 6pmMary Raftery & Róisín McBrinnA discussion about documentary theatre-makingTuesday 20 April, 6pmThe Politics of AbuseTalk with journalist Bruce ArnoldThursday 22 April, 6pmGerard Mannix FlynnTalk addressing issues of institutionalisationSaturday 8 May, 10am – 1pmTalking Text Workshop: MacbethVoice workshop with Andrea AinsworthThursday 20 May, approx. 8.45pmJean Butler & Tere O’ConnorIn discussion about their workThursday 10 June, 6pmBinding BooksPanel discussionSaturday 19 June, 10.30am – 4.30pmAmateur Drama WorkshopVoice workshop with Andrea AinsworthThursday 24 June, 6pmBernard FarrellA talk about his latest playThursday 29 July, 6pmKeepers of the FlameShivaun O’Casey discusses her father’s workSaturday 4 September, 10am – 1pmTalking Text Workshop:The Plough and The StarsVoice workshop with Andrea AinsworthTuesday 7 September, 6pmKeepers of the FlameA history of The Plough and the Stars16

new season at the abbey theatreABBEY THEATREAMHARCLANN NA MAINISTREACHTHE DARKEST CORNER7 april - 15 may (previews from 30 march)Macbeth William Shakespeare p.614 – 24 April (preview 13 April)No Escape Mary Raftery p.1026 aprilThe Evidence I Shall Give Richard Johnson p.1029 April – 1 MayJames X Gerard Mannix Flynn p.1019 – 22 mayDAY Jean Butler / Tere O’Connor p.121 june – 10 july (previews from 22 may)Bookworms Bernard Farrell p.1416 june – 3 july (previews from 9 june)Outsiders David McWilliams p.1827 july – 25 september (previews from 20 july)The Plough and the Stars Sean O’Casey p.20look out forNATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE23 – 28 August www.nayd.ieMatinee Club Check out details on page 24WERKPERFORMANCE. ART. CLUB.See page 23.17

world premiere / on the peacock stageOutsidersDavid McWilliamsWhile others cheered the boom, only one economistaccurately predicted the collapse and mess wefind ourselves in. He told you the truth then; he’stelling you the truth now.Leading economist and commentator David McWilliams takes to the stage in Outsiders.Outsiders is a characteristically vivid, humorous and uncompromising account of what isgoing on here. In an event – which is part stand up, part discussion, part social observation –David explains how we got here and why we shouldn’t despair because there is a way out.Join the man who believes Ireland’s political and social divide is not so much about richand poor, young and old, urban and rural, but about insiders and outsiders. The insiders –found in every village, town and city – are those with a stake in our country who believe thattoday’s status quo must be preserved at all costs. The outsiders – who might live next door– are those who realise that the status quo is part of the problem.Unlike other countries, in Ireland every time there is a crisis the insiders get stronger, notweaker. Far from losing power and paying for the chaos they caused, they tighten their gripon the country. In contrast, the outsiders are excluded and left to fend for themselves.This is what happened in the 1950s and the 1980s and it is happening again now.But there is an alternative.Outsiders is about that alternative.Outsiders is an Abbey Theatre commission16 June – 3 JulyPreviews: 9 – 15 June8pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pmTickets: €14 – €22Director: Conall Morrison'This is what happenedin the 1950s and the 1980sand it is happeningagain now. BUT THEREIS AN ALTERNATIVE.'18

Photograph by Catherine MacBride - www.catherinemacbride.com19

on the abbey text stageThe PloughAND The StarsSean O’CaseyNow regarded as a masterpiece, The Plough and theStars is one of the plays most closely associatedwith the Abbey Theatre.Set in a tenement house, against the backdrop of the Easter Rising in 1916, The Plough andthe Stars is both an intimate play about the lives of ordinary people and an epic play aboutideals and the birth of our nation.Amidst the tumult of political upheaval, Jack and Nora Clitheroe are ‘like two turtle dovesalways billing and cooing’, much to the ridicule of their bustling neighbours. But when Irelandcalls, Jack must choose between love for his wife and duty to his country.Heartbreaking, disturbing and very funny, The Plough and the Stars is an historic playthat every generation needs to see. At this time of national crisis, when the principlesand ideals of the proclamation and the founding of the Republic are, more-than-ever,under consideration, it is an important play for the Abbey Theatre to present once again.Director Wayne Jordan brings the fresh perspective of a new generation to this iconic play.27 July –25 SeptemberPreviews: 20 – 26 July7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2pmTickets: €13 – €38Book now on (01) 87 87 222or www.abbeytheatre.ieAssisted performances:Sign languageinterpreted performance:Thursday 16 September, 7.30pmAudio described andcaptioned performance:Saturday 18 September, 2pmsee page 28 for more informationMatinee Club:Saturday 18 September, 2pmsee page 24 for more informationDirector: Wayne JordanSet design: Tom Piper20

abbey theatre‘Th’ time is rotten ripe for revolution’Photograph by INEKE KAMPES21

THE PLOUGH AND THE STARSTALKS / WORKSHOPThursday 29 July, 6pmKeepers of the Flame:Shivaun O’CaseyDistinguished theatre director ShivaunO’Casey discusses her father’s work.Tickets: €3 (free to members)Tuesday 7 September, 6pmKeepers of the FlameJoin us as we trace the politicaland performance history ofThe Plough and the Stars atthe Abbey Theatre.Tickets: €3 (free to members)Saturday 4 September, 10am – 1pmTalking TextVoice Director Andrea Ainsworthleads a voice workshop using text fromThe Plough and the Stars.Tickets: €40 (includes a light lunch and ticketto the matinee performance)22

WERKPERFORMANCE. ART. CLUB.Presented by THISISPOPBABY and the Abbey TheatreIn a late-night haze of neon and performance, live art and discotheque, the bellyof the Abbey Theatre is being put to WERK. Underground club and performanceroulette – this new monthly cocktail of ideas is an epic night out. Irreverent, boldand trashy; WERK is the house of outrageous investigation, abnormal talent andunnatural beauty. It’s a party. Clock in – WERK out.We are delighted to present WERK with the multi-award winning theatre company andElectric Picnic favourites THISISPOPBABY.werk is subject to licenceSaturday 8 May10pm – 2.30amSaturday 12 June10.30pm – 2.30amSaturday 10 July10.30pm – 2.30amTickets: €10 in advance/€12 on the doorwww.thisispopbaby.com23

ABBEY text THEATREMATINEECLUBJoin our Matinee Club andenjoy low price tickets tomatinee performances ofMacbeth, Bookworms andThe Plough and the Stars.Meet the writer, director orcast after the show andenjoy a cup of tea. Theremight even be biscuits!Upcoming matinee clubperformances:MacbethSaturday 15 May, 2pmBookwormsSaturday 3 July, 2pmThe Plough and the StarsSaturday 18 September, 2pmMembership €45 – €60(includes tickets to all threeperformances)To sign up or find out morephone (01) 87 87 222.AmateurdramaworkshopSaturday 19 June10.30am – 4.30pmA voice and text workshopwith Voice Director,Andrea Ainsworth.Tickets: €75(includes light lunchand a ticket to theevening performance)Bí ag ScríobhDé Sathairn,29 Bealtaine10.30rn – 5inAn bhfuil spéis agat i drámaí a scríobhsa Ghaeilge? Má tá, ba mhaith linn gogcuirfeá scéala chugainn!Tá deis á tabhairt againn do scríbhneoiríatá idir aois 18 agus 35 a bheith páirteachi gceardlann chun a gcuid scileannascríbhneoireachta drámaíochta a fhorbairt.Is é atá á lorg againn go háirithe ábhardrámadóirí a bhfuil taithí scríbhneoireachtaacu sa Ghaeilge don stáitse nó do nascannáin nó taithí dá leithéid i bhfoirmeachaliteartha eile.Is é Paul Mercier, drámadóir agusstiúrthóir aitheanta agus bunaitheoir anPassion Machine Theatre Company a bheidhi mbun an cheardlann a threorú.Níl aon táille le híoc as a bheithrannpháirteach sa cheardlann agus ach is arbhonn iarratais amháin a ghlacfar le daoine.Are you interested in writing plays in the Irishlanguage? If so, we want to hear from you!We are giving writers aged between 18 and35 a chance to take part in a workshop to developtheir playwriting skills. We are looking specificallyfor budding playwrights with experience in writingin the Irish language for stage, screen, or in otherliterary forms.The workshop will be facilitated by well-knownplaywright and director Paul Mercier, founder ofPassion Machine Theatre Company.Participation in the workshop is free, butby application only.Eolas/information:biagscriobh@abbeytheatre.ie24

abbey theatreACCESS ALL ABBEYStudent orUnder 26?Join Access All Abbey and get show tickets from just €9.See abbeytheatre.ie for more details.GIFT.Give someone you know a great experiencewith an Abbey Theatre gift. Vouchers and giftmemberships are available online or at ourBox Office.You have plenty of ways to give a greatexperience.Buy a gift voucher for any amount.Choose an Abbey Theatre membership(from €25 or just €10 for ourAccess All Abbey Under 26 package).Treat someone special to a closer associationwith us and give the gift of a ‘Friend’ of theAbbey (from €125).Buy online at www.abbeytheatre.ieor call Box Office on (01) 87 87 222INSPIRING.The ability to innovate, create, and to connect are all traitsneeded in gREAT business and you’ll find them all at theAbbey. If you would like to know how your business can benefitfrom what we do, contact Oonagh Desire on (01) 887 2286 oremail oonagh.desire@abbeytheatre.ie25

seating textplansPEACOCK STAGEpreviewsAdult €18Concession €15Member €15eveningsAdult €25Concession (Mon to Fri only) €20Member €23saturday matineeAdult €20Concession €18Member €18*Ticket prices for DAY and Outsiders vary.See event pages for details.26

ticket pricing abbey & booking theatreinformationABBEY STAGE Premium A B CpreviewsAdult €20 €20 €18 €18Concession €15 €15 €13 €13Member €10 €10 €9 €9eveningsAdult €38 €33 €29 €25Concession (Mon to Fri evening) €23 €20 €18 €15Member €33 €29 €25 €23Family of 4 (Mon to Fri evening) €104 €90 €80 €70(4 tickets, maximum 2 adults)saturday matineeAdult €25 €22 €20 €20Concession €19 €17 €15 €15Member €21 €19 €17 €17Family of 4 €80 €70 €60 €60(4 tickets, maximum 2 adults)BookingInformationBox Office is openMonday – Saturday10.30am – 7pmBooking: (01) 87 87 222Visa, Mastercard, Maestro andLaser are accepted. Please haveyour credit card details readywhen booking.Online: You can now select yourown seat when you book online atwww.abbeytheatre.ie.By email toboxoffice@abbeytheatre.ie.By post to Box Office, AbbeyTheatre, 26/27 Lower AbbeyStreet, Dublin 1. Please enclosea cheque marked payable to theAbbey Theatre.By fax to (01) 879 7390 markedfor the attention of Box Office.Please detail the event, date, time,and number of tickets you require andinclude a mailing address, contactnumber and/or email address.Join our e-mailing listVisit www.abbeytheatre.ie and joinour free e-mailing list to receivespecial offers as well as updates onour productions and activities.BECOME A MEMBERSee pages 30 for details.Concession ticketsAvailable to students, equitymembers, the unemployed andsenior citizens for performancesMonday to Friday evening andSaturday matinee only. Proof ofeligibility will be required.Group bookingsFor information on rates forgroups of 10 or more pleasecontact our box office on(01) 87 87 222 or emailgroups@abbeytheatre.ieExchangesOnce purchased, tickets cannotbe refunded. Tickets may beexchanged, subject to availabilityand a €2 administration feeper exchange.Unless otherwise stated, performances are Monday to Saturday.Latecomers cannot be admitted until a suitable break in the performance.Terms & conditions are available on www.abbeytheatre.iebooking feeGood news! We do not charge abooking fee.27

assisted performancestextAssisted PerformancesWe have a range of services available for visitors with a disability,including sign language interpreted, audio described andcaptioned performances. We also have two dedicated wheelchairspaces in the Abbey auditorium. For more information about ourassisted performances and services:• Visit www.abbeytheatre.ie• Phone our Box Office team on (01) 87 87 222• Email boxoffice@abbeytheatre.ie• Fax (01) 879 7390We are always happy to advise you and ensure that you bookthe seats best suited to your needs.Audio described and captioned performances are facilitated by Arts andDisability Ireland, with funding from the Arts Council.UPCOMING ASSISTED PERFORMANCESSign languageinterpreted performancesNo EscapeMacbethBookwormsThe Plough and The StarsThursday 22 April, 8pmWednesday 5 May, 2pmThursday 1 July, 7.30pmThursday 16 September, 7.30pmAudio described andcaptioned performancesMacbethBookwormsThe Plough and The StarsSaturday 15 May, 2pmSaturday 3 July, 2pmSaturday 18 September, 2pm28

abbey theatreABBEY THEATRE26/27 Lower ABBEY STREET, DUBLIN 1LOWER GARDINER STREETLOCATION INFORMATIONThe Abbey Theatre is located at the cornerof Lower Abbey Street and MarlboroughStreet, Dublin 1. The Peacock entrance islocated round the corner, on the north sideof the Abbey Theatre building, on LowerAbbey Street.PUBLIC TRANSPORTDart: Tara Street and Connolly StationsLuas: Red line to Abbey Street stopBus: All main routes to city centrePARKINGParking (including disabled parking) isavailable for €5 after 5.30pm in the IrishLife Car Park off Lower Abbey Street.HENRY STREETMIDDLE ABBEY STREETTEMPLE BARO’CONNELL STREET O’CONNELL BRIDGELUASB A C H E L O R S W A L KLUASSTOPMARLBROUGH STREETTAXIE D E N Q U A YRIVER LIFFEYD’OLIER STREETA S T O N Q U A Y B U R G H Q U A YFLEET STREETTALBOT STREETLOWER ABBEY STREETABBEYTHEATREIRISH LIFECAR PARKPPOOLBEG STREETTOWNSEND STREETDARTTARA STREETDART.Infra-red loopSign language interpretedperformancesAudio described performancesfor visually impaired peopleCaptioned performancesfor deaf or partially hearing visitorsWheelchair spacesAudience members with a disabilityare eligible for concession ticketspriced from €13 - €18.A companion ticket can also bebought at this rate.Discounted tickets for patrons with a disabilityare not currently available online. To ensurethat we can meet your specific requirementsplease book your seats by contacting BoxOffice directly on (01) 87 87 222 or by email:boxoffice@abbeytheatre.ie. Please advise us ofyour needs when you book.29

join usIf youVALUETHEATREyou’ll love these great opportunities…Abbey Memberbecoming a member of the Abbey Theatreputs you at the top of the queue by givingyou great discounts and free access to talks.Sign up today and enjoy Member benefitsthat include:– Half price tickets for Abbey stagepreviews– Up to €5 off tickets for our productions– Priority booking period– Free access to talksAbbey Friendas a friend you can enjoy all the benefits ofbeing a Member, plus behind the scenes insightand a closer association with the us. Friendsbenefits also include:– Two tickets to a production of your choice onthe Abbey or Peacock stages– Invitations to Friends’ nights– Opportunity to buy tickets for OpeningNight performances– Programme listingMember €25Joint Member ( for two people) €40...Benefits subject to availability. For terms andconditions see www.abbeytheatre.ie.Friend €125Joint Friend ( for two people) €230...Joint Friends get four tickets instead of twoand double the invitations.If you are interested in supporting the Abbey Theatre as a Patron or Platinum Patron pleaseemail development@abbeytheatre.ie for more details or call (01) 887 2223.30

Take a bow!The arts really matter to us in Ireland; they are a big part of people’s lives,the country’s single most popular pursuit. Our artists interpret our past,define who we are today, and imagine our future. We can all take pridein the enormous reputation our artists have earned around the world.The arts play a vital role in our economy, and smart investment oftaxpayers’ money in the arts is repaid many times over. The dividendscome in the form of a high value, creative economy driven by a flexible,educated, innovative work force, and in a cultural tourism industry wortha2.4 billion directly a year.The Arts Council is the Irish Government agency for funding anddeveloping the arts. Arts Council funding from the taxpayer, throughthe Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, for 2010 is a69.15 million,that’s less than a1 a week for every household.So, at the end of your next great theatre performance, don’t forget therole you played and take a bow yourself!Find out what’s on atwww.events.artscouncil.ieYou can find out more about the arts here:www.artscouncil.ie

APRIL – SEPT 2010ABBEYTHEATREAMHARCLANN NA MAINISTREACHwww.abbeytheatre.ieD E S I G N : Z E R O - G