Queens College Department of Drama, Theatre and Dance (Charles Repole, Chair) and the Irish Studies Program (Clare Carroll, Director) proudly present the 101st anniversary production of

J.M Synge's

The Playboy of the Western World

Directed by Susan Einhorn, Professor of Theatre and Director of Acting, Department of Drama, Theatre and Dance

In countries where the imagination of the people, and the language they use, is rich and living, it is possible for a writer to be rich and copious in his words, and at the same time, give the reality, which is the root of all poetry, in a comprehensive and natural form. -J.M. Synge

First performed in 1907, The Playboy of the Western World caused riots during its opening week at Dublin's Abbey Theatre. Inspired by Synge's close observations of life in the Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland (his home in the Aran Islands, Teach Synge, is featured, left) this realistic, though poetic, exploration of the mores and manners of Irish life angered early theatregoers who found Synge's treatment indecent and incendiary; however, one hundred and one years of critical acclaim have deemed Playboy a masterwork of Irish literature and Synge one of the most highly regarded Irish dramatists.

Set in County Mayo on the west coast of Ireland, the play follows Christy Mahon, a young man on the run who claims to have killed his father, as it explores his interactions with the villagers who receive him and his relationship with the young Pegeen Flaherty.

Students participating in the Queens College Irish Theatre Festival have the privilege of working with such renowned theatre professionals as Irish film and stage actor Stephen Rea and Broadway dialect coach Stephen Gabis.

Stephen Rea achieved international recognition when he was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his performance in Neil Jordan’s The Crying Game. Rea has also appeared in Life Is Sweet, Prêt à Porter, Michael Collins, V for Vendetta and The Reaping. Rea trained in Ireland's Abbey Theatre School and was nominated for a Tony Award in 1993 for his performance in Someone Who'll Watch Over Me. He has starred in numerous productions in Dublin and London.

As Artist in Residence at Queens College, October 2008, Rea will work closely with students in Irish Studies and Drama and with the cast of The Playboy of the Western World. Rea will participate in an open discussion with QC students on Tuesday, October 14 from 12:15 to 1:30 at the Little Theater (King 115) as well as a live interview following the opening night performance of The Playboy of the Western World on Thursday, October 16.

Stephen Gabis is a much sought-after dialect coach who has worked on such Broadway productions as the 2008 Tony Award Best Play The 39 Steps, as well as hit musicals like Legally Blonde, Jersey Boys and The Boy from Oz. He has also worked on such films as The Savages, Across the Universe and Boys Don't Cry.

Many students involved in the QC Irish Theatre Festival travelled this summer to the National University of Ireland, Galway, where they studied Irish geography, history, literature and language and performed in two theatre productions. Click here for photos.