The finest play I’ve read in manuscript before being produced is Translations by Brian Friel, in my opinion still the wisest and most perceptive understanding of the issues around Anglo-Irish relations. After reading it I immediately rang Brian to express my enthusiasm and desire to present it at the Hampstead theatre, which I then ran.
“Thank you, David, but no. Its first production has to be in Ireland – you can do the next one.” “And when,” I asked, “are you planning to do it in Ireland?” “Well, there’s a problem. We haven’t got the money.” “That’s OK,” I said, “I’ll find you the money,” not having any idea where to look. “No,” said Brian, “it’s got to be Irish money.” And so was born Field Day, the company he formed with Stephen Rea, Seamus Heaney and others to promote contemporary Irish culture across the whole island.
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