THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY Returns to Irish Repertory Theatre, Now thru 1/20

Off-Broadway's Irish Repertory Theatre has announced the return of Brian Friel's THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY - with performances to resume tonight, January 2 on the Irish Repertory's Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage (132 West 22nd Street). Performances run through January 20. Ciarán O'Reilly directs.

Director Ciarán O'Reilly helmed the company's recent productions of Eugene O'Neill's BEYOND THE HORIZON and THE EMPEROR JONES (Joseph A Callaway Award winner for Direction; Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Audelco nominations). As an actor, he co-starred in Irish Repertory's 2011 revivals of Brian Friel's DANCING AT LUGHNASA and MOLLY SWEENEY.

Set in Derry, Northern Ireland during the aftermath of a civil rights meeting, THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY revolves around an inquiry into the shooting by British soldiers of three marchers as they emerged from the Guildhall. As the inquiry continues, with testimony from 'expert'
witnesses, the play relives the real events that led to its institution. When the police disrupt the peaceful protest, three unarmed strangers, Lily, a middle-aged mother of 11, and Michael and Skinner, two young men, take refuge from the streets and find themselves inexplicably in the Mayor's Parlor. As the three settle in to the Lord Mayor's opulent office, word spreads about the "occupation" of the Guildhall. The motley trio is transformed into a band of armed and desperate terrorists, a fiction that is taken up by the church, the media, the army, and nationalist balladeers, all of whom use the myth for their own diverse ends.

THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY co-stars Caroline "Cara" Seymour as Lily; Joseph Sikora as Skinner; and James Russell as Michael; with Ciarán Byrne; Clark Carmichael; Peter Cormican; Christa Scott-Reed; Craig Wroe; and Evan Zes.

The production features set design by Charlie Corcoran; costume design by DAVID TOSER; lighting design by Michael Gottlieb; original music by Ryan Rumery; sound design by M. Florian Staab; and wig & hair design by Robert-Charles Vallance. Dialect Coach is Stephen Gabis. Production Stage Manager is Pamela Brusoski; Assistant Stage Manager is Rebecca C. Monroe.

In addition to DANCING AT LUGHNASA and MOLLY SWEENEY, which were both presented in 2011 at The Irish Repertory Theatre, directed by Charlotte Moore, Brian Friel's best known plays include TRANSLATIONS and the Tony Award-nominated PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME! which was revived at Irish Rep in 2005. Mr. Friel's other plays include FAITH HEALER, WONDERFUL TENNESSEE, THE MUNDY SCHEME, ARISTOCRATS, MAKING HISTORY, and among others, the Tony Award-nominated LOVERS. THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY was first performed at The Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, in 1973, and opened on Broadway in February 1974.

THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY launched The Irish Repertory Theatre's 25th Anniversary Season with previews beginning October 3 with initial performances through November 25.

More Articles by This Author...