This major new production is the first of DRUIDSYNGE, the company's ambitious celebration of the work of John Millington Synge which will see Druid vigorously engage with and explore all seven titles in the Synge canon over the next 18 months, culminating in the unique presentation of the entire repertoire in Autumn 2005.

The production transfers to Dublin's Gaiety Theatre from February 23rd for 24 nights only before embarking on a unique tour along the Western seaboard, retracing (in reverse) the journey undertaken by the bold Christy Mahon after 'murdering' his father. Visiting venues and locations in many of the small communities that are at the heart of Synge’s vision – Geesala, Co Mayo (where the play is set), each of the three Aran Islands and Dun Chaoin in the Kerry Gaeltacht, this tour builds upon Druid’s unique relationship with both Synge and his extraordinary play and provide contemporary audiences with an unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable cultural engagement.

Directed by Garry Hynes assisted by regular collaborators Francis O'Connor (design), David Bolger (movement), Scott George (Sound), Davy Cunningham (lighting) and Kathy Strachan (costumes), this first DRUIDSYNGE production features a roll call of Irish acting talent - Sonya Kelly, Simone Kirby, Gary Lydon, Gillian Mc Carthy, Eamon Morrissey, Chris O'Dowd, Frank O'Sullivan, Aisling O'Sullivan and David Pearse, with the principal roles of Christy Mahon played by CILLIAN MURPHY (currently enjoying a wave of success on the Irish and international film circuit following “Intermission”, “Discopigs” and recently cast in a leading role in the new Batman movie)and Pegeen Mike by ANNE-MARIE DUFF (“Magdalene Sisters”, “Amongst Women” and the Channel 4 series “Shameless”).

Director...Garry Hynes
Design...Francis O'Connor
Lighting Design...Davy Cunningham
Movement...David Bolger
Costumes...Kathy Strachan
Sound Design...Scott George

Cast

Pegeen Mike...Anne-Marie Duff
Village Girl...Sonya Kelly
Village Girl...Simone Kirby
Shawn Keogh...Gary Lydon
Village Girl...Gillian McCarthy
Michael James Flaherty...Eamon Morrissey
Christy Mahon...Cillian Murphy
Jimmy Farrell...Chris O'Dowd
Old Mahon...Frank O'Sullivan
Widow Quinn...Aisling O'Sullivan
Philly Cullen...David Pearse

Venues and Dates

Town Hall Theatre, Galway
Tuesday 10 - Saturday 21 Feb
(excl Sundays), 8pm. Tickets €22/€16
Previews Friday 6 - Monday 9 Feb 8pm €14
Matinees Friday 13, 11.30am (sold out) and Saturday 21, 2.30pm
Box Office (091) 569777

Gaiety Theatre, Dublin
Monday 23 February – Saturday 20 March 2004
Monday -Thursday (8pm) Tickets €15-€32
Friday-Saturday (8pm) Tickets €20-€35
Subject to booking fee except in person to the Gaiety Box Office
Box Office (01) 6771717

Geesala, Co Mayo
Tuesday 23 March 8pm
For Geesala ticket & booking information, contact 097 86888

Inis Meain, Inis Oirr & Inis Mor, Co Galway
Thursday 25, Friday 26 & Saturday 27 March 8pm
For Aran ticket and booking details, contact 099 75150

Royal Theatre, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Tuesday 30 March - Saturday 3 April 8pm
Tickets €20, €18
Box Office {094} 9023111

The Blasket Centre, Dun Chaoin, Co Kerry
Monday 5 April 8pm
For ticket and booking details, contact 066 9156444

Siamsa Tire, Tralee, Co Kerry
Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 April 8pm
Tickets €22, €18, Matinee Thursday 8 at 2.30pm tickets€15/14
Booking 066 7123055

Plays by Synge

The Shadow of The Glen
Riders To The Sea
The Tinker’s Wedding
The Well of The Saints
The Playboy of The Western World
Deirdre of The Sorrows
When The Moon Has Set