Design ideas for the the development of the Abbey Theatre include using the facade of the original Abbey building.
Stone work from the front of the original Abbey Theatre, which was reduced to rubble in 1961, may form part of the new Abbey when it is rebuilt.
The announcement came as the Abbey Theatre launched its annual programme which will include 'All My Sons' by Arthur Miller along with new plays and adaptations.
The real silver lining this year is the promised new home for the theatre itself.
The new theatre will be on the same site but with expanded facilities. Planners are looking at the possibility of incorporating the facade of the original Abbey which now lies in a Dublin back garden. The stones, railings and entrance of the old building were saved before they were about to be thrown onto a rubbish tip.
Artistic Director at the Abbey Theatre Ben Barnes explains that new building will contain three auditoria, a bookshop, a bar, a restaurant, and an exhibition space. It is also intended for the design of the new Abbey Theatre building to incorporate the River Liffey.
The Abbey was once described to me as the facade of a supermarket. The interior was described by actors in words I couldn't repeat. But the sooner that work gets underway on the new Abbey, the better for all concerned.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 12 February 2003. The reporter is Colm Connolly.
