Directed by Ben Barnes
Scenic Design by Guido Tondino
Produced by the Nation Theatre of Ireland (Dublin's Abbey Theatre)
Founded 100 years ago by W.B. Yeats and Lady Augusta Gregory, the Abbey Theatre of Dublin is one of the world’s great theaters and was most recently represented in New York City by Deborah Warner’s acclaimed production of Medea starring Fiona Shaw. This new production of the Playboy of the Western World, one of the classics of Irish theatre, celebrates the centenary of Ireland’s national theatre.
Probably one of the most controversial works in the history of the Abbey, J.M. Synge's play still possesses the power to provoke and captivate audiences worldwide. Its story of a stranger who seduces the inhabitants of a small village on the coast of Mayo with his gallous tale of killing his father provoked riots among the audience during its first staging in 1907, causing national outrage and sensation. In the intervening decades, Synge has become a major figure in European theatre and The Playboy’s exploration of identity and nationality continues to be provocative and urgent.
Presented by the Skirball Center
Major Support:
Loretta Brennan Glucksman
Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo & Associates
Jack Rudin
L. Jay & Mary Ellen Oliva
The Skirball Foundation
