| In what The Irish Times described as 'one of the greatest achievements in the history of Irish theatre'. Druid this summer presented the first ever staging of John Millington Synge's entire theatrical canon. This ambitious and award-winning collective presentation (as a series of double bills over two or three days or as a very special experience when, on selected dates, all six plays were presented on the same day) fulfilled a long-term artistic commitment by Druid's Tony Award winning director Garry Hynes to re-evaluate and re-engage with one of Ireland's dramatic giants. This 'mamoth endeavour' (The International Herald Tribune) was feted by critics on both sides of the Atlantic, described as 'breathtaking' (The New York Times); 'spectacular' and 'beautifully executed' (Variety Magazine); 'astounding' (The Observer); 'an epic triumph' (The Irish Independent); 'a colossal achievement...wonderful...the beauty, energy and complexity is formidable' (The Scotsman); 'superb', and 'awe at the achievement of this Druid company' (The Guardian); 'terrific' (The Independent); and 'unforgettable' (The Irish Examiner). A truly amazing experience. DruidSynge premiered at the 2005 Galway Arts Festival, opening at the city's Town Hall Theatre on Saturday 16th July, followed by performances in Dublin (Olympia Theatre) and the Edinburgh International Festival (The King's Theatre) before concluding its 2005 run with a week of stunning performances on the Aran island of Inis Meain in a range of locations including a unique open-air setting at Dun Chonchur (a large circular walled fortress). DruidSynge involved a company of 19 actors performing across the repertoire. Directed by Garry Hynes, assisted by regular collaborators Francis O'Connor (design), David Bolger (movement), Sam Jackson (music), Davy Cunningham (lighting), Kathy Strachan (costumes) and with John Leonard (sound), the productions featured a roll call of Irish acting talent including Marie Mullen, Mick Lally, Eamon Morrissey and Catherine Walsh alongside many of Ireland's finest emerging young stars including Aaron Monaghan and Gemma Reeves. Cast included Sarah Jane Drummey
Richard Flood
Simone Kirby
Mick Lally
Marcus Lamb
Nick Lee
Louise Lewis
Eoin Lynch
Hannah Mc Cabe
Charlie Mc Carthy
Aaron Monaghan
Eamon Morrissey
Marie Mullen
Derry Power
Peg Power
Gemma Reeves
Catherine Walsh DruidSynge The Shadow of The Glen
The Playboy of The Western World
The Tinker's Wedding
The Well of The Saints
Riders To The Sea
Deirdre of The Sorrows Druid is supported by Culture Ireland, Failte Ireland, Udaras na Gaeltachta and Ireland West. | 
