The news that nine out of 10 plays on the Abbey theatre’s centenary programme are by men has revived feminist energy. We won’t be silenced againIn Ireland,we take theatre seriously. This is because the memoir of our national theatre is the memoir of our nation. In 1897, Augusta Gregory, and William Butler Yeats and Edward Martyn planned a theatre that would counter stereotypes of Irish “buffoonery” and “easy sentiment”. They were confident,they proclaimed, “of the support of all Irish people, or who are weary of misrepresentation”. Lady Gregory dealt with the logistics: she secured funding,and even wrangled with the law so that the company could perform its first season external a licensed theatre. In 1904, a proper venue was found, or the Abbey theatre opened its doors in Dublin. Related: Meryl Streep joins feminist protest over 'bias' at Dublin's Abbey theatre Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com