Brian Friel
Birth Place: IRELAND
Latest News on Brian Friel:
Irish Repertory Theatre Unveils Cast for TRANSLATIONS Directed by Doug Hughes (Sep 7, 2023)
Photos/Video: Inside Rehearsal For the UK and Ireland Tour of FAITH HEALER (Aug 30, 2023)
Video: Watch the Trailer for FAITH HEALER at Barrington Stage Company (Aug 16, 2023)
Irish Repertory Theatre Unveils Cast for TRANSLATIONS Directed by Doug Hughes (Sep 7, 2023)
Photos/Video: Inside Rehearsal For the UK and Ireland Tour of FAITH HEALER (Aug 30, 2023)
Video: Watch the Trailer for FAITH HEALER at Barrington Stage Company (Aug 16, 2023)
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Brian Friel 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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Brian Friel Awards and Nominations
Evening Standard Awards - 2005 - Best Play
Brian FrielThe Home Place
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1996 - Best Foreign Play
Brian Friel, Molly Sweeney
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best Play
Brian Friel, Dancing at Lughnasa
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Play
Brian Friel, Dancing at Lughnasa
Drama Desk Awards - 1991 - Outstanding New Play
Brian Friel, Dancing at Lughnasa
Evening Standard Awards - 1991 - Best Play
Brian FrielDancing at Lughnasa
Olivier Awards - 1991 - BBC Award for the Play of the Year
Brian FrielDancing At Lughnasa
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1989 - Best Foreign Play
Brian Friel, Aristocrats
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!
Brian Friel Videos
Photos/Video: Inside Rehearsal For the UK and Ireland Tour of FAITH HEALER
by BroadwayWorld TV - Aug 30, 2023
STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with Brian Friel's THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY at Irish Rep
by Stage Tube - Oct 11, 2012
STAGE TUBE: In Rehearsal for Irish Rep's OLIVER! With Brian Stokes Mitchell, Melissa Errico and More!
by Stage Tube - Jun 8, 2012
BWW TV: Ian McDiarmid in Chicago Shakespeare Theater's TIMON OF ATHENS - Show Highlights!
by BroadwayWorld TV - May 11, 2012
STAGE TUBE: Watch Joel Grey / A New York Life Exhibition Virtual Tour Here!
by BroadwayWorld TV - Dec 13, 2011
Brian Friel News
Irish Repertory Theatre Unveils Cast for TRANSLATIONS Directed by Doug Hughes
Irish Repertory Theatre reveals the cast for Translations, the first production in The Friel Project, a retrospective of the work of renowned Irish playwright Brian Friel.
Photos/Video: Inside Rehearsal For the UK and Ireland Tour of FAITH HEALER
All new rehearsal photos and a teaser trailer have been released for London Classic Theatre’s UK and Ireland tour of Faith Healer. The tour opens at New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme on 5 September and runs until 17 November closing at Venue Connaught Theatre, Worthing.
Video: Watch the Trailer for FAITH HEALER at Barrington Stage Company
Get a sneak peek of FAITH HEALER at Barrington Stage Company with the official trailer. Experience the mesmerizing performance and captivating story of this theatrical masterpiece. Don't miss your chance to see FAITH HEALER, running at Barrington Stage Company.
Cast and Creative Team Revealed For UK and Ireland Tour of Brian Friel's FAITH HEALER
Following the success of Abigail's Party, now running until 7 October, London Classic Theatre has announced the full cast and creative team for a new tour of Brian Friel's masterpiece Faith Healer.
Review: FAITH HEALER at Barrington Stage Company
Friel harnesses the power of story telling common to both that culture and contemporary theater to weave a tightly woven tapestry with such depth, richness, and color it could easily be compared to the work of the great impressionist painters. Under Boyd’s direction, Innvar, Dold, and Egolf show themselves to be consummate professionals.
Photos: First Look at FAITH HEALER at Barrington Stage Company
Barrington Stage Company Founding Artistic Director Julianne Boyd's new production of Faith Healer by the great Irish playwright, Brian Friel (Dancing at Lughnasa, Translations) opened last night, Saturday, August 5. The production will play through Sunday, August 27 on the St. Germain Stage at the Blatt Center for Performing Arts. Check out photos from the production here!
Irish Repertory Theatre to Celebrate 35th Anniversary with THE FRIEL PROJECT Season
Irish Repertory Theatre (Charlotte Moore, Artistic Director; Ciarán O'Reilly, Producing Director) will present The Friel Project, a retrospective of the work of renowned Irish playwright Brian Friel, to take place from October 2023 through May 2024.
Photos: First Look at BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY at Barrington Stage Company
Pearl Cleage’s Blues for an Alabama Sky, directed by Candis C. Jones (The Public Theater: shadow/land; Studio Theater: Clyde’s) is currently running at Barrington Stage Company. The production plays through August 5, 2023 on BSC’s Boyd-Quinson Stage (30 Union Street). Check out photos from the production here!
Playwright Sanaz Toossi & More to Star in ENGLISH at Barrington Stage Company
Discover the star-studded cast lined up for the highly anticipated production of ENGLISH at Barrington Stage Company. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the talent and brilliance in this must-see performance.
Brandon Alvión, Tsilala Brock & More to Star in BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY at Barrington Stage Company
The full cast and creative team has been set for Pearl Cleage’s Blues for an Alabama Sky at Barrington Stage Company, directed by Candis C. Jones.
THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING Featuring Kathleen Chalfant & More Set for Long Wharf Theatre 2023/24 Season
Long Wharf Theatre is launching its 2023/2024 season, Theatre of Possibility. See full programing and learn how to purchase tickets!
Amber Iman, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Annie Golden & More to be Featured in Williamstown Theatre Festival Readings
Amber Iman, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Annie Golden and more will be featured in Williamstown Theatre Festival's Fridays@3 reading series.
National Theatre's DANCING AT LUGHNASA Cast Recording is Now Available
Broadway Records will release National Theatre's Dancing at Lughnasa, with original music by award-winning musician Hannah Peel.
Cast Revealed For TINY FATHER From Chautauqua Theater Company And Barrington Stage Company
Chautauqua Theater Company and Barrington Stage Company have announced full casting for their co-world premiere production of tiny father, a new play by Mike Lew (Teenage Dick) and directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel (Hand to God).
World Premiere of Juliette Dunn's THE PUZZLE Extended at Hedgerow Theatre Company
Hedgerow Theatre announced both a one-week extension and a virtual streaming option of the company's Barrymore Recommended world premiere production of The Puzzle by Juliette Dunn.
Cultural Sovereignty Centre-Stage As Ukrainian Production Of Brian Friel's TRANSLATIONS Comes To The Abbey This June
Ukraine's national theatre – the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theatre – will bring its production of Brian Friel's Translations to the Abbey stage from Tuesday, 20th – Saturday, 24th of June, the Abbey Theatre has announced.
Adam Chanler-Berat, Mary Testa, Tally Sessions, and More Will Lead A NEW BRAIN at Barrington Stage Company
Barrington Stage Company has announced initial casting for William Finn’s 1998 musical A New Brain, opening Sunday, August 20, 2023 and playing through September 10, 2023 on BSC’s Boyd-Quinson Stage (30 Union Street). Find out who is starring and how to attend!
Full Cast Revealed For CABARET and THE HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH at Barrington Stage Company
Barrington Stage Company has announced full casting for the world premiere of Mark St. Germain's new play The Happiest Man on Earth (May 24-June 17) and a new production of the legendary Kander & Ebb musical Cabaret (June 14-July 8).
City Circle Theatre Company Presents DANCING AT LUGHNASA
City Circle Theatre Company presents Dancing at Lughnasa at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) May 5–7 and 12–14. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 PM and the Sunday matinees are at 2 PM.
Review Roundup: What Did the Critics Think of DANCING AT LUGHNASA?
Review Roundup: What did the critics think of the revival of Brian Friel's Dancing At Lughnasa?
Brian Friel FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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).
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! .
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, 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 Aristocratsand Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for Aristocrats.
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