World premiere of Blindboy stories adaptation among upcoming highlights at the Abbey Theatre

ANIMALS, adapted and directed by Dan Colley, is based on short fiction by Limerick comedian and podcaster Blindboy Boatclub. The production is promised as a provocative, absurdist spectacle with a roaming, roaring new work, running on the Abbey Stage from September 23 to November 7. The Abbey Stage will also present Ulster American for a limited run, bringing the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York’s critically acclaimed production to Ireland. Starring Matthew Broderick, the satirical play targets identity politics, ego, and privilege in the North. Written by David Ireland and directed by Ciarán O’Reilly, it also stars Max Baker and Geraldine Hughes, and frames a transatlantic dialogue about power, authorship, and identity.

"ANIMALS, adapted and directed by Dan Colley, is based on the short fiction written by Limerick comedian and podcaster Blindboy Boatclub. A "provocative and absurdist spectacle", audiences have been promised a "roaring and roaming new work", with a cast announcement to follow in the coming weeks. The show will run on the Abbey Stage from Wednesday, September 23 to Saturday, November 7."

"Starring Matthew Broderick of Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Producers fame, Ulster American is a "savagely funny" satirical take on identity politics, ego and privilege in the North. The play is written by David Ireland, directed by the artistic director of the Irish Repertory Theatre, Ciarán O'Reilly, and also stars Max Baker and Geraldine Hughes."

""Ulster American, particularly in the Irish Repertory Theatre context, brings us into a transatlantic dialogue about power, authorship, and identity - who gets to tell the story, and at whose expense. It reminds us too, that there are always consequences," the Abbey Theatre's co-director Caitríona McLaughlin said."

""Personally, I love David Ireland's work. He has a rare talent for making people laugh at the worst parts of themselves. His collaboration with the Irish Repertory Theatre and the opportunity to bring Ulster American to the Abbey Theatre just felt right. Having seen the play in New York, the cast are exceptional and Ciarán, the director, presents the play with both a beautifully pitched, understated humanity and an unapologetic, brazen directness.""

Read at Irish Independent