Field Day returns to Derry
�/Lorcan Doherty Photography 22nd November 2012. Mandatory Credit Photo Lorcan Doherty Photography
The legendary Field Day Theatre Company is back in the city after an absence of almost twenty years as they rehearse for the first of a series of commissions and exhibitions to take place as part of the City of Culture celebrations.
The Company is making a historic return to a stage in the city for the first time since 1995 with a double bill of ‘Farewell’ by Clare Dwyer Hogg and ‘Half a Glass of Water’ by David Ireland which will run at The Playhouse from December 3 to December 8, directed by Stephen Rea. Their month-long residency at the Playhouse is now underway.
Founded by Stephen Rea and playwright Brian Friel in 1980, Field Day became established as one of the most significant elements of contemporary Irish culture. The highly acclaimed theatre company has contributed to the success of Liam Neeson, Tom Paulin, Sam Shepard and Seamus Deane.
‘Farewell’ is written by up-and-coming Antrim writer Clare Dwyer Hogg and addresses issues of death and betrayal. It stars Rea alongside Brid Brennan, Eugene O’Hare and Charlie Bonner.
Clare said: “I do not consider myself in the league of any of the writers who have made Field Day great. This makes it all the more of a privilege to have been given such an opportunity.”
‘Half a Glass of Water’ is penned by award winning Northern Irish writer David Ireland. Set design for both plays is by Bob Crowley.
The double bill is the first part of a range of Field Day commissions and exhibitions to take place in the city over the coming year, all of which are being part-funded by British Council NI, the UK’s international cultural relations organisation.
Northern Ireland Director of the British Council, David Alderdice, said: “The British Council is excited to be involved with the return of the Field Day Theatre Company. A key priority is to promote Derry~Londonderry internationally by bringing new opportunities to emerging and professional talent from the region to the rest of the UK and beyond.”
In April, a new play by internationally acclaimed playwright, actor and director Sam Shepard will be held at The Guildhall. ‘Thirsty Dust’, will then take place at The Playhouse in May 2013.
An exhibition in the Verbal Arts Centre, Stable Lane and Mall Wall will reintroduce the narrative of the accredited ‘Field Day Story’ to its home town. Taking place from May until September 2013, the exhibition will feature archived materials from the National Library of Ireland. Tickets for ‘Farewell’ and ‘Half a Glass of Water’ are currently on sale online from: www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
For more information: facebook.com/playhousederry
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