Irish Theatre

Surprising as it may seem, Ireland has made a disproportionally large contribution to the history of theatre in the Western world. Famous playwrights like Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett are only some of our world renowned playwrights. Unfortunately a lot of Irish playwrights including George Bernard Shaw found it necessary to leave Ireland to establish themselves.

The golden age of Irish theatre arguably commenced in the second half of the 19th century with Dion Boucicault who achieved great success in New York. Dion Boucicault was an Irish actor and playwright who became famous for his melodramas and became as one of the most successful actor-playwright-managers in the English-speaking theatre.

Oscar Wilde soon went on to eclipse those who came before him with a series of four plays 'Lady Windermere’s Fan' (1892), 'A Woman of No Importance' (1893), 'An Ideal Husband' (1895) and 'The Importance of Being Earnest' (1895). More than a century later, Wilde's plays are still mainstays of theatre companies around the world. The other figurehead of 19th century Irish theatre is Dublin-born George Bernard Shaw, whose play 'Pygmalion' is a timeless classic. Shaw's play was turned into the movie 'My Fair Lady'.

Many Irish writers created plays over the last two centuries that are still popular on stages around the world and a new generation of dramatists is keeping the tradition alive. The creative flame is fuelled by lively, passionate audiences.

My experience of the Irish is that they go to the theatre to have a good time, so next time you visit Dublin, why not take in a play and make a night-out of it. Regardless of what your taste is, be it classic or contemporary, solid entertainment or biting social or political commentary, Dublin offers a wide range of theatre for all tastes. And don't bother to bring evening wear or a suit - Dublin's theatre audiences don't go for formalities so when in Dublin just enjoy yourself.