Weaver Stars in Irish Rep Reading of Doherty's Trad, 7/25

The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) is hosting a New Works Reading Series to support new plays and emerging playwrights.   The seventh of the free monthly staged readings is Trad, by Mark Doherty in cooperation with Galway Arts Festival.  The reading--starring Fritz Weaver--is on Tuesday, July 25th at 3 PM, tickets are free, and the event is open to the public (although a reservation is required).

Mark Doherty's Trad, "a short but epic voyage, follows the relationship of a one hundred year old Irishman and his father, in a surreal comedy that looks at the value of tradition. In Trad, Doherty bequeaths his voice to two characters with a heady mixture of irreverence, bitterness and bewilderment; Da, an ancient widower who has lived longer than any man should, and his 100-year-old son, Thomas. Da hates the English and is disappointed in his son for failing to become a father himself. Thomas, meanwhile, has news for him; some 70 years ago, during a wordless encounter with a girl known to him only as 'Mary,' he did his bit to further the family line, and there's a possibility of a son of his out there, somewhere…," according to notes on the show.

The reading will star Weaver (Trying, Ring Round the Moon, A Life), Reed Birney (Stuff Happens, Pen, Bug), and Jarlath Conroy (Faith Healer, A Man of No Importance, Pigtown).

Doherty's radio credits include"Only Slaggin,'" "A Hundred and Something," "Stand-up Sketches" and "The Bees of Manulla" for RTE, and "The O' Show" for BBC Radio 4. He has written for, and appeared in, various TV shows, including "The Stand Up Show" and "Back to the Future" for the BBC, and "Couched," a 6-part comedy series for RTE.  He has also worked extensively as a stand-up comedian and actor. He was the recipient of the 2004 BBC Radio Drama Award (Stewart Parker Award) for Trad.

Additional readings are scheduled for Tuesday, August 22; Friday, September 29; Friday, October 27; Friday, November 17; and, Friday, December 15.  All readings are at 3 PM and are located at The Irish Repertory Theatre.

In the past eighteen years, The Irish Repertory Theatre has presented major works by O'Casey, Synge, Shaw, and Wilde, as well as the contemporary artistry of Hugh Leonard, Frank McCourt, Tom Murphy, Brian Friel and more.  The Irish Repertory Theatre received the 2005 Lucille Lortel "Outstanding Body of Work" award and won the New York Drama Desk Award for "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish Drama."  In 1995, The Irish Repertory Theatre moved to its present location on West 22nd Street, New York City.  It is currently undertaking a capital campaign to purchase its theatre, rehearsal studio, and administrative offices.

Tickets are free and the reading is open to the public.  Seating is limited.  RSVP by calling The Irish Repertory Theatre Box Office at (212) 727-2737.  For more information, visit www.irishrep.org.