Brian Friel
Birth Place: IRELAND
Latest News on Brian Friel:
West End Productions' TRANSLATIONS Opens November 7 (Nov 3, 2025)
Review: FAITH HEALER at Sherman Players (Sep 29, 2025)
Review: POWERFUL 'DANCING AT LUGHNASA' at The Players (Sep 27, 2025)
West End Productions' TRANSLATIONS Opens November 7 (Nov 3, 2025)
Review: FAITH HEALER at Sherman Players (Sep 29, 2025)
Review: POWERFUL 'DANCING AT LUGHNASA' at The Players (Sep 27, 2025)
BIO
Brian Friel was an Irish playwright and director, born on January 9, 1929, in Omagh, Northern Ireland. He was considered one of the greatest English-language playwrights of the 20th century, known for his insightful portrayal of the complexities of Irish life and culture. Friel's work has been performed on Broadway and in theaters around the world.
Friel began his career as a teacher, but soon turned to writing. His first play, "A Doubtful Paradise," was produced in Dublin in 1959. He gained critical acclaim with his play "Philadelphia, Here I Come!" which premiered at the Dublin Theatre Festival in 1964. The play explores the relationship between a young man and his father, and their conflicting views on life and love. It was later produced on Broadway in 1966 and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play.
Friel continued to write plays that explored the complexities of Irish life and culture. His plays often dealt with themes of identity, memory, and language. In 1990, Friel wrote "Dancing at Lughnasa," which won the Tony Award for Best Play. The play is set in rural Ireland in 1936 and tells the story of five sisters and their struggle to survive in a changing world.
Friel was also a prolific director, and he directed many of his own plays. He was a founding member of the Field Day Theatre Company, which was established in 1980 to promote Irish culture and literature. Friel's work with the Field Day Theatre Company included productions of his plays "Translations" and "Making History."
In addition to his work in the theater, Friel wrote several screenplays, including the adaptation of his play "Dancing at Lughnasa" for the 1998 film of the same name. He also wrote the screenplay for the 1981 film "Faith Healer."
Friel's other notable plays include "The Freedom of the City," "Living Quarters," "Wonderful Tennessee," and "Molly Sweeney." His work has been performed in theaters around the world and has been translated into many languages.
Brian Friel passed away on October 2, 2015, at the age of 86. His most recent work was the 2010 play "The Home Place," which premiered at the Gate Theatre in Dublin. The play is set in 1878 and explores the relationship between the English and Irish in rural Ireland. Friel's legacy as a playwright and director continues to inspire and influence the theater world.
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Awards and Nominations
winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2005 - Best Play
Brian FrielThe Home Place
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1996 - Best Foreign Play
Brian Friel, Molly Sweeney
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best Play
Brian Friel, Dancing at Lughnasa
winner
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Play
Brian Friel, Dancing at Lughnasa
Drama Desk Awards - 1991 - Outstanding New Play
Brian Friel, Dancing at Lughnasa
winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1991 - Best Play
Brian FrielDancing at Lughnasa
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Olivier Awards - 1991 - BBC Award for the Play of the Year
Brian FrielDancing At Lughnasa
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1989 - Best Foreign Play
Brian Friel, Aristocrats
winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1988 - Best Play
Brian FrielAristocrats
Olivier Awards - 1981 - Play of the Year
Brian FrielTranslations
Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Play
Brian FrielLovers
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1966 - Best Play
Brian Friel, Philadelphia, Here I Come!
Tony Awards - 1966 - Best Play
Brian Friel, Philadelphia, Here I Come!
Videos
Photos/Video: Inside Rehearsal For the UK and Ireland Tour of FAITH HEALER
by Stephi Wild - 2023-08-30 10:33:27
VIDEO: Michael Sheen Talks Performing to An Empty Old Vic Theatre
by Sarah Leiber - 2021-01-08 10:09:50
VIDEO: Alfred Molina Shares His Roundabout Memories of MOLLY SWEENEY
by A.A. Cristi - 2020-04-10 21:30:47
More Than LBJ! Meet the Full Company of ALL THE WAY, Opening Tomorrow on Broadway!
by Meet the Cast - 2014-03-05 20:00:01
STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes of Irish Rep's JUNO AND THE PAYCOCK
by Stage Tube - 2013-10-18 16:23:50
STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at Highlights of DANCING AT LUGHNASA
by Christina Mancuso - 2013-06-03 11:06:37
STAGE TUBE: Preview MOLLY SWEENEY, Opening April 2 at The Print Room
by Stage Tube - 2013-03-29 19:03:59
STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with Brian Friel's THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY at Irish Rep
by Stage Tube - 2012-10-11 14:18:50
STAGE TUBE: Preview of Sheridan Smith in HEDDA GABLER at the Old Vic
by Stage Tube - 2012-09-12 08:40:46
STAGE TUBE: In Rehearsal for Irish Rep's OLIVER! With Brian Stokes Mitchell, Melissa Errico and More!
by Kelsey Denette - 2012-06-08 13:32:27
TV: Ian McDiarmid in Chicago Shakespeare Theater's TIMON OF ATHENS - Show Highlights!
by Jessica Lewis - 2012-05-11 17:01:57
STAGE TUBE: Watch Joel Grey / A New York Life Exhibition Virtual Tour Here!
by Jessica Lewis - 2011-12-13 11:11:29
News
West End Productions' TRANSLATIONS Opens November 7
by Gillian Blum - Nov 3, 2025
Alburquerque's West End Productions opens Translations on November 7, running Fridays and Saturdays through November 23 at the North Fourth Art Center.
by Gillian Blum - Nov 3, 2025
Alburquerque's West End Productions opens Translations on November 7, running Fridays and Saturdays through November 23 at the North Fourth Art Center.
Review: FAITH HEALER at Sherman Players
by Jared Reynolds - Sep 29, 2025
One man’s trash is another man's treasure. The grass is always greener on the other side. These phrases are all about perspective. Perspective can vary wildly from person to person and you cannot glimpse the whole story by only hearing one side. That is the premise of Brian Friel's Faith Healer, which is running at the Sherman Players.
by Jared Reynolds - Sep 29, 2025
One man’s trash is another man's treasure. The grass is always greener on the other side. These phrases are all about perspective. Perspective can vary wildly from person to person and you cannot glimpse the whole story by only hearing one side. That is the premise of Brian Friel's Faith Healer, which is running at the Sherman Players.
Review: POWERFUL 'DANCING AT LUGHNASA' at The Players
by John McDaid - Sep 27, 2025
Powerful 'DANCING AT LUGHNASA' at The Players in Providence.
by John McDaid - Sep 27, 2025
Powerful 'DANCING AT LUGHNASA' at The Players in Providence.
From the West End to DOWNTON ABBEY: A Look at Penelope Wilton's Stage Career
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 12, 2025
Since the early 1970s, Penelope Wilton has established herself as a major player on the British stage, and we are taking a look back at her expansive theatrical career, just in time for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 12, 2025
Since the early 1970s, Penelope Wilton has established herself as a major player on the British stage, and we are taking a look back at her expansive theatrical career, just in time for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
FAITH HEALER Comes to The Everyman in October
by Stephi Wild - Sep 12, 2025
Blood in the Alley will present Faith Healer by Brian Friel, directed by Geoff Gould, coming to The Everyman in October. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 12, 2025
Blood in the Alley will present Faith Healer by Brian Friel, directed by Geoff Gould, coming to The Everyman in October. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!
John Lee Beatty Will Receive Ming Cho Lee Award For Lifetime Achievement
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 8, 2025
Scenic designer John Lee Beatty will be honored with the Ming Cho Lee Award for Lifetime Achievement in Design bestowed by the Henry Hewes Design Awards .
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 8, 2025
Scenic designer John Lee Beatty will be honored with the Ming Cho Lee Award for Lifetime Achievement in Design bestowed by the Henry Hewes Design Awards .
Previews: FAITH HEALER at Sherman Players
by Jared Reynolds - Aug 26, 2025
The Sherman Players are proud to present, Faith Healer, by Brian Friel. A beautifully written play told in four monologues, Friel explores the fallibility of memory and the complex interplay of love, loyalty, loss, and despair.
by Jared Reynolds - Aug 26, 2025
The Sherman Players are proud to present, Faith Healer, by Brian Friel. A beautifully written play told in four monologues, Friel explores the fallibility of memory and the complex interplay of love, loyalty, loss, and despair.
Sheffield Theatres and Royal Exchange Announce Cast and Creatives for DANCING AT LUGHNASA
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 11, 2025
Sheffield Theatres and the Royal Exchange Theatre will present Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa, directed by Elizabeth Newman, at the Crucible Theatre September 13–October 4, 2025, before transferring to Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre October 10–November 8. The production stars Martha Dunlea, Kwaku Fortune, Frank Laverty, and Laura Pyper.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 11, 2025
Sheffield Theatres and the Royal Exchange Theatre will present Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa, directed by Elizabeth Newman, at the Crucible Theatre September 13–October 4, 2025, before transferring to Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre October 10–November 8. The production stars Martha Dunlea, Kwaku Fortune, Frank Laverty, and Laura Pyper.
Review: FOR THE LACK OF LAURA, Shaw Theatre
by Gary Naylor - Jul 25, 2025
Fine singing and pleasant songs, but the book needs work and the staging kills the energy
by Gary Naylor - Jul 25, 2025
Fine singing and pleasant songs, but the book needs work and the staging kills the energy
Stephen Rea Will Bring KRAPP'S LAST TAPE to New York
by Stephi Wild - Jun 26, 2025
Legendary Irish actor Stephen Rea takes on Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape in a revelatory new production directed by Vicky Featherstone. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 26, 2025
Legendary Irish actor Stephen Rea takes on Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape in a revelatory new production directed by Vicky Featherstone. Learn more here!
Cast Set for THE BEACON at The Everyman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 5, 2025
The Everyman has revealed the cast for their next major production, the West Cork thriller The Beacon by Bafta- nominated Irish writer Nancy Harris.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 5, 2025
The Everyman has revealed the cast for their next major production, the West Cork thriller The Beacon by Bafta- nominated Irish writer Nancy Harris.
Interview: Suzanne King of DANCING AT LUGHNASA at Theatre Suburbia
by Brett Cullum - Apr 21, 2025
I'll tell you why I decided to do it; then I'll tell you about the toughness, but I read this about 1999, and just loved it. It made the hairs on my arms stand up, especially visualizing the very last scene with the entire cast swaying back and forth, and giving the illusion of them not swaying. You're not sure if they are or not.
by Brett Cullum - Apr 21, 2025
I'll tell you why I decided to do it; then I'll tell you about the toughness, but I read this about 1999, and just loved it. It made the hairs on my arms stand up, especially visualizing the very last scene with the entire cast swaying back and forth, and giving the illusion of them not swaying. You're not sure if they are or not.
The Everyman Produces Brian Friel’s MAKING HISTORY
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 7, 2025
The Everyman Cork will produce Making History by Brian Friel, opening on April 14th with previews on Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Monday 14th. Brian Friel wrote Making History to explore the life and legacy of Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, during a pivotal period in Irish history.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 7, 2025
The Everyman Cork will produce Making History by Brian Friel, opening on April 14th with previews on Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Monday 14th. Brian Friel wrote Making History to explore the life and legacy of Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, during a pivotal period in Irish history.
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN and More Set For Royal Exchange 2025-26 Season
by Stephi Wild - Apr 3, 2025
The Royal Exchange Theatre has announced it's upcoming season including Singin' In the Rain, directed by Raz Shaw. Learn more about the upcoming season here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 3, 2025
The Royal Exchange Theatre has announced it's upcoming season including Singin' In the Rain, directed by Raz Shaw. Learn more about the upcoming season here!
Photos: DANCING AT LUGHNASA at Asolo Repertory Theatre
by Emmy Rice - Mar 22, 2025
Asolo Repertory Theatre, the eminent theatre on Florida’s Cultural Coast, released photos for the Olivier and Tony Award-winning memory play Dancing at Lughnasa. Check here for the photos.
by Emmy Rice - Mar 22, 2025
Asolo Repertory Theatre, the eminent theatre on Florida’s Cultural Coast, released photos for the Olivier and Tony Award-winning memory play Dancing at Lughnasa. Check here for the photos.
Brian Friel's MAKING HISTORY Comes to The Everyman in April
by Stephi Wild - Mar 19, 2025
The Everyman, Cork, led by Artistic Director Des Kennedy, will produce Making History by Brian Friel in April. This major revival marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of the legendary playwright.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 19, 2025
The Everyman, Cork, led by Artistic Director Des Kennedy, will produce Making History by Brian Friel in April. This major revival marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of the legendary playwright.
Writers Theatre Presents Irish Drama TRANSLATIONS, Directed By Artistic Director Braden Abraham
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 12, 2025
Writers Theatre will continue its 2024/25 Season with Brian Friel’s touching Irish drama Translations directed by Braden Abraham. Translations will run April 3 – May 4, 2025 in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 12, 2025
Writers Theatre will continue its 2024/25 Season with Brian Friel’s touching Irish drama Translations directed by Braden Abraham. Translations will run April 3 – May 4, 2025 in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe.
DANCING AT LUGHNASA, CONSUMED, and More Set For Sheffield Theatres 2025/26 Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2025
Sheffield Theatres has announced Elizabeth Newman’s inaugural season of shows as Artistic Director, with new productions running from autumn 2025 to summer 2026 in the Crucible Theatre and Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2025
Sheffield Theatres has announced Elizabeth Newman’s inaugural season of shows as Artistic Director, with new productions running from autumn 2025 to summer 2026 in the Crucible Theatre and Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse.
First EVERYMAN MADE Season Lineup Revealed
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2025
Des Kennedy, Artistic Director of The Everyman in Cork, launched his inaugural season today with EVERYMAN MADE: world-class theatre, made by The Everyman, for Cork and beyond. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2025
Des Kennedy, Artistic Director of The Everyman in Cork, launched his inaugural season today with EVERYMAN MADE: world-class theatre, made by The Everyman, for Cork and beyond. Learn more here!
Asolo Repertory Theatre Announces Cast of DANCING AT LUGHNASA
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 25, 2025
Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced complete casting for the Olivier and Tony Award-winning memory play Dancing at Lughnasa, which begins previews on March 19, 2025.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 25, 2025
Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced complete casting for the Olivier and Tony Award-winning memory play Dancing at Lughnasa, which begins previews on March 19, 2025.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Brian Friel written?
Brian Friel has written 18 shows including Philadelphia, Here I Come! (Playwright), The Loves of Cass McGuire (Playwright), The Mundy Scheme (Playwright), Crystal and Fox (Playwright), The Freedom of the City (Playwright), Aristocrats (Playwright), Making History (Playwright), Dancing at Lughnasa (Playwright), Wonderful Tennessee (Playwright), Molly Sweeney (Playwright), The Freedom of the City (Playwright), Give Me Your Answer, Do! (Playwright), Philadelphia, Here I Come! (Playwright), Faith Healer (Playwright), Translations (Playwright), Hedda Gabler (Adaptor), Lovers (Playwright), The Home Place (Playwright).
What awards has Brian Friel been nominated for?
Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for The Home Place, Best Foreign Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Molly Sweeney, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Dancing at Lughnasa, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Dancing at Lughnasa, Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dancing at Lughnasa, Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for Dancing at Lughnasa, BBC Award for the Play of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Dancing At Lughnasa , Best Foreign Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Aristocrats, Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for Aristocrats, Play of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Translations, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Lovers, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Philadelphia, Here I Come! and Best Play (Tony Awards) for Philadelphia, Here I Come!.
What awards has Brian Friel won?
Brian Friel has won several prestigious awards throughout his career. He received the Best Play award at the Evening Standard Awards for The Home Place. He won the Best Foreign Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards twice: once for Molly Sweeney and again for Aristocrats. Friel also earned the Best Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Dancing at Lughnasa. Dancing at Lughnasa also garnered him multiple honors, including the Best Play Tony Award, the Best Play Evening Standard Award, and the BBC Award for Play of the Year at the Olivier Awards. Additionally, he won the Best Play Evening Standard Award for Aristocrats.
Videos