As part of the festivities to mark American's 200th birthday, the Abbey Theatre embarks on a tour of the United States.
The Abbey Players, headed by actors Siobhán McKenna and Cyril Cusack, leave Dublin for New York for a seven week American tour of 'The Plough and the Stars' by Seán O'Casey. This is the Abbey Theatre’s first American tour in 38 years and sees the company performing in New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington DC.
Artistic director of the Abbey Theatre Tomás Mac Anna explains the Abbey used to tour the US in the 1920s and 1930s, but to do so is expensive and sponsorship is required. As the Abbey has been invited to America as part of the bicentennial celebrations, the financial backing is provided.
In spite of the hiatus, the Abbey is still highly regarded in the US,
In theatrical circles and particularly among the universities and academic circles it’s regarded with awe and reverence so we’ve quite a challenge before us.
Nevertheless Tomás Mac Anna is confident the combination of the actors and the play will ensure expectations are reached. The tour is already booked out in New York, Boston and Philadelphia and box office has reached $40,000 in Washington DC.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 14 November 1976. The reporter is Colm Connolly.
