Irish Premiere Of David Ireland's ULSTER AMERICAN Comes to The Abbey Stage

Award-winning writer David Ireland's newest play, Ulster American, makes its Irish premiere on the Abbey Stage from 9 - 20 April 2019. It is directed by Gareth Nicholls, Interim Artistic Director of Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre.

Following the success of David Ireland's Cyprus Avenue, Ulster American is highly anticipated by Irish audiences. It played to sold out audiences at the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with audiences queuing for returns, and won the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh award and a Scotsman Fringe First award.

Ulster American is an explosive black comedy, exploring abuses of power, the confusion of cultural identity and the silencing of the female voice. The return of this much-praised triple-hander sees the original cast reprise their roles of Jay (Darrell D'Silva), the Oscar-winning actor taking the lead in a new play that connects with his Irish roots; Leigh (Robert Jack), the ambitious director who will do anything to get noticed; and Ruth (Lucianne McEvoy), the Northern Irish playwright whose voice must be heard. The stage is set for great success but when the three meet to discuss the play's challenges and provocations a line is crossed, and the heated discussion quickly escalates to a violent climax.

With the presentation of Ulster American, the Abbey Theatre continues its relationship with David Ireland - whose last play, Cyprus Avenue (an Abbey Theatre commission and co-production with London's Royal Court), last year completed sold-out runs at the Abbey Theatre, the MAC in Belfast and The Public Theater in New York; and is now enjoying a sold-out run at the Royal Court Theatre in London.

Neil Murray, Abbey Theatre co-director, said: 'Following the success of Cyprus Avenue, we are thrilled to be presenting David Ireland's coruscating Ulster American. It's a joy to welcome this brilliant Traverse Theatre production to the Abbey Stage.'

David Ireland, playwright, said: 'When I first wrote Ulster American I didn't think anyone would produce it, let alone come and see it. I was surprised and delighted that the response to it was so positive in Edinburgh. I've no idea why that is. The characters are outrageous and occasionally terrifying. But then we do seem to be living in outrageous and occasionally terrifying times. Like Ruth in the play, I grew up in Belfast during the Troubles. I'm well aware of the dangers of tribalism and sanctimony. And sometimes it feels like the whole world is becoming like Northern Ireland in the 80s and 90s. Ulster American offers no solutions but perhaps a respite. As it goes on tour, I hope audiences will find themselves entertained, engaged and sometimes infuriated by this unnerving burlesque of a play.'

Gareth Nicholls, director, said: 'I'm delighted that Ulster American is coming back. The reception it got during its sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival 2018 was quite remarkable, as audiences and critics alike responded overwhelmingly positively to its brutal and satirical take on the abuse of power in the entertainment industry. I was thrilled that so many people connected with David Ireland's blistering comedy, as it touches on themes such as identity and gender politics - themes that are absolutely at the forefront of peoples' minds, both politically and socially, with no sign of abating. It will be fascinating to see if audiences around the world respond to the play (and its stellar cast) with the same energy and passion as they did during the summer. It's an exciting prospect and one that I can't wait to get working on again.'

Ulster American is supported by Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council. Tour assisted by the Made in Scotland Onward Touring Fund. With additional support from the JMK Trust.

 

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