Irish America
Irish America
It is a measure of Brian Friel's stature or modesty-as a playwright of international acclaim that he is very surprised to hear mention of The Diviner, a collection of ten short stories he first published in 1979. "Oh," he laughs, "I'd forgotten about them." In fact, as the growing success and demands of his stage plays continue to affirm his standing as one of Ireland's … [Read more...] about Brian Friel: A Modest Man
The Irish Take Broadway Brian Friel has been writing significant and respected plays ever since he captured the hearts and funnybones of the public with Philadelphia, Here I Come!, his first international success, in 1968. But it is with his latest, Dancing at Lughnasa, that he achieved the kind of success that leaves even him awed. For two years now it has been a steady hit … [Read more...] about Dancing at Lughnasa
The most joyous event of the Celtic year is Lughnasa (August 1), the beginning of the annual harvest. The Celtic calendar was structured on nature's agricultural cycle and great festivals were celebrated at the start of each season: Imbolc (spring), Beltaine (summer), Lughnasa (autumn), and Samhain (winter). All honor the life-giving sun, but only Lughnasa derives its name from … [Read more...] about Sláinte! The Feast of Lughnasa
Brian Friel, the Irish playwright who has had a string of successes on Broadway, starting with Tony-winning Dancing at Lughasa (later made into a film starring Meryl Streep), has presented his archived works to the National Library in Ireland. The collection includes manuscripts and early drafts of his 26 plays and correspondence with literary figures such as Seamus Heaney, … [Read more...] about Friel Donates His Works
