Druid Theatre’s productions of Sean O’Casey’s Dublin trilogy are now on at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. Garry Hynes’ productions of these plays have received wonderful reviews.
It is possible to see all three of these plays back to back or individually at the Abbey. For more information and to book tickets see the Abbey Theatre website.
The critical response to Ciaran O’Reilly’s Shadow of a Gunman is overwhelmingly positive. Many papers and blogs have given the production rave reviews. The production runs as part of the Irish Repertory Theater’s Sean O’Casey Season until 25th May. Click here for more information and to book tickets.
[W]hen the play takes its uncorrectable skid into tragedy, there’s enough dramatic force to make you feel for the characters, even the ones you laughed at. At nearly 100 years old, O’Casey’s play still packs heat.
The cast is miraculously right, though none of the 10 actors appear to be “performing.” Instead, they create the wholly persuasive illusion of being a group of ordinary people who are simply living their lives.
O’Casey is one of Ireland and the world’s great playwrights, and his talent is on full display in this taut, swiftly paced production.
[D]irector Ciarán O’Reilly presides over an embarrassment of riches from lead to bit player.
Some authors burden the stage with characters not integral to the plot. O’Casey illuminates shades of perspective. His players are rich and symbiotic.
The general excellence of Irish Rep’s production of The Shadow of a Gunman makes one look forward to seeing the next two shows in its O’Casey Cycle. Let’s mention, finally, that the playbill features several pages of historical context as well as a glossary that theatergoers likely will find to be helpful in appreciating these classic plays.
The Irish Repertory Theatre, in New York, are marking their 30th anniversary by holding a Sean O’Casey Season from 30th of January until the 25th of May. There are several events that make up the festival with the centerpiece being stagings of all three of Sean’s Dublin Trilogy in repertory.
The very first play staged by the Irish Repertory Theatre was The Plough and the Stars, directed by Charlotte Moore and she is back to revisit the play as part of the festival. The festival will open with The Shadow of a Gunman, directed by Ciarán O’Reilly and also features Juno and the Paycock directed by Neil Pepe.
In addition to the repertory season they are putting on a series of readings of all Sean O’Casey’s plays. This is a great opportunity to hear some important works that are not often performed. The works presented are,
The readings are free but spaces are limited. Apply to the Irish Repertory Theatre box office for invitations.
There is also an exhibition of materials including scripts, correspondence and photographs at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, running 28th January until 23rd March. Also there will be a screening of Joseph Hardy’s 1972 film of The Shadow of a Gunman, featuring Frank Converse, Richard Dreyfuss, Jack MacGowran, and Sandra Morgan, on 21st and 22nd of February.
For further information and to book tickets contact the Irish Repertory Theatre box office online or call 212-727-2737.