Abbey Theatre - Amharclann na Mainistreach

As we begin a programme to explore and celebrate the plays of W. B. Yeats, we present public readings of two of his works Cathleen Ní Houlihan and On Baile’s Strand.

Cathleen Ní Houlihan is Yeats’s most overtly political play. Set at the time of the 1708 rebellion in Ireland, it tells the story of a young man lured away from his imminent wedding by a mesmerising ‘Poor Old Woman’ who is a metaphor for Ireland.

The play was first staged in 1902 by W.G. Fay’s Irish National Dramatic Society (a precursor of the Abbey Theatre).

Cathleen Ní Houlihan will be directed by Tom Creed.

On Baile’s Strand was one of the double bill of plays that opened the Abbey Theatre on 26 December 1904. It received widespread critical acclaim and was a popular play, frequently revived in our early years. The play was revised in 1906 and this later version is the one we use today.

On Baile’s Strand is based on the Táin Bó Cuailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), the great mythic tale of Cuchulain. It tells the moving story of Cuchulain’s fight with his son.

On Baile’s Strand will be directed by Wayne Jordan

The playreadings will be preceded each night by a talk from a leading expert. Dr. P.J. Mathews will join us on Wednesday 10 March and Professor James Flannery on Thursday 11 March.

Booking Information
On the Peacock stage
Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 March 6pm
Tickets: €6/€4

Book now or call (01) 87 87 222