Irish theatre

The history of Irish theatre begins with the rise of the English administration in Dublin at the start of the 17th century. Over the next 400 years this small country was to make a disproportionate contribution to drama in English.

Recent developments

In general, the Abbey was the dominant influence in theatre in Ireland across the 20th century. Beckett's example has been almost entirely ignored, although his plays are regularly performed on the Irish stage. Behan, in his use of song and direct address to the audience, was influenced by Bertolt Brecht and Denis Johnston used modernist techniques including found texts and collage, but their works had little impact on the dramatists who came after them. Since the 1970s, a number of companies have emerged to challenge the Abbey's dominance and introduce different styles and approaches. These include Focus Theatre, The Children's T Company, the Project Theatre Company, Druid Theatre, TEAM and Field Day. These companies have nurtured a number of writers, actors, and directors who have since gone on to be successful in London, Broadway and Hollywood or in other literary fields. These include Roddy Doyle, Peter Sheridan, Brian Friel, Stephen Rea, Gary Hynes and Gabriel Byrne.

Related Topics:
Bertolt Brecht - Modernist - Found texts - Collage - Focus Theatre - The Children's T Company - Project Theatre Company - Druid Theatre - TEAM - Field Day - Broadway - Hollywood - Roddy Doyle - Peter Sheridan - Brian Friel - Stephen Rea - Gary Hynes - Gabriel Byrne

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