Abbey Theatre - Amharclann na Mainistreach

Joe O’Connor, author of Ghost Light, will introduce the public reading of Deirdre of the Sorrows by J.M. Synge on Tuesday 5 April as part of Dublin: One City, One Book.

The play was Synge’s last, and was unfinished at his time of death. Popular history says that actress Molly Allgood, Synge’s fiancée and the protagonist of O’Connor’s best-seller Ghost Light, took it upon herself to finish the play. It is likely that W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory also contributed to the completion of the work. The role of Deirdre was written for Allgood, who played it on the play’s premiere at the Abbey in January 1910, less than a year after Synge’s death from Hodgkin’s disease. It was this special connection to the subject matter of Ghost Light which led Joe to suggest a public reading of Synge’s final work.

Our reading will be directed by Jim Culleton of Fishamble and presented in the intimate atmosphere of the Abbey rehearsal room. We hope you can join us for this tribute to Synge’s work; a classic play that has formed part of the Abbey repertoire for over 100 years.

Deirdre of the Sorrows
By J.M. Synge
Introduced By Joseph O’Connor
Directed by Jim Culleton
Tuesday 5 April, 8pm
Abbey Theatre Rehearsal Room
Tickets €6 (€4 Concessions)
Book online

Related Events

The Music of Ghost Light: An Evening with Joseph O’Connor and Friends
Sunday 3rd April, 7:30pm
Tickets €25 (€20 Concessions)
Book online

Related Talks

The Language of Synge
Tuesday 12 April, 6pm
Book online

Synge for Your Supper
Tuesday 26 April, 6pm
Book online

Tickets for Talks are €3 (Free for Abbey Theatre members) Book now on (01) 87 87 222 or online