Lelia Doolan, first female artistic director of the Abbey Theatre, announces her artistic policy.
Lelia Doolan was the first woman to become artistic director of the Abbey. She had previously worked in RTÉ as a producer, director and head of light entertainment. Doolan took up her Abbey position in December 1971 and announced her artistic policy the following year, at a press conference in the Peacock Theatre on 30 August 1972.
In this RTÉ News report from the night, Doolan explains the "creative fusion" she hopes to create between actor, audience and author. Her three-year plan envisages a first year of classics and revivals, with a new field of endeavour in the second year. She also hopes to bring the national theatre to the people of Ireland. Theatre manager John Slemon outlines the challenges of taking the theatre on the road to reporter Paddy Smith.
