Brian Friel
Birth Place: IRELAND
Latest News on Brian Friel:
Review: Final Weekend of TRANSLATIONS, Brian Friel's Masterpiece, at Vermont Stage (Oct 11, 2024)
The T.S. Eliot Lecture 2024 Will Feature Ralph Fiennes (Sep 26, 2024)
TH IR DS Comes to the Zephyr in Hollywood This Week (Sep 4, 2024)
Review: Final Weekend of TRANSLATIONS, Brian Friel's Masterpiece, at Vermont Stage (Oct 11, 2024)
The T.S. Eliot Lecture 2024 Will Feature Ralph Fiennes (Sep 26, 2024)
TH IR DS Comes to the Zephyr in Hollywood This Week (Sep 4, 2024)
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
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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 - 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 Kelsey Denette - Jun 8, 2012
TV: Ian McDiarmid in Chicago Shakespeare Theater's TIMON OF ATHENS - Show Highlights!
by Jessica Lewis - May 11, 2012
STAGE TUBE: Watch Joel Grey / A New York Life Exhibition Virtual Tour Here!
by Jessica Lewis - Dec 13, 2011
News
Review: Final Weekend of TRANSLATIONS, Brian Friel's Masterpiece, at Vermont Stage
What did our critic think of FINAL WEEKEND OF TRANSLATIONS, BRIAN FRIEL’S MASTERPIECE, AT VERMONT STAGE. at Vermont Stage?
What did our critic think of FINAL WEEKEND OF TRANSLATIONS, BRIAN FRIEL’S MASTERPIECE, AT VERMONT STAGE. at Vermont Stage?
The T.S. Eliot Lecture 2024 Will Feature Ralph Fiennes
The ninth annual T.S. Eliot Lecture on December 15th at 6pm will feature Ralph Fiennes reading and then discussing his relationship with T.S. Eliot’s poem Four Quartets, marking the 80th anniversary of its first publication as a single volume in 1944.
The ninth annual T.S. Eliot Lecture on December 15th at 6pm will feature Ralph Fiennes reading and then discussing his relationship with T.S. Eliot’s poem Four Quartets, marking the 80th anniversary of its first publication as a single volume in 1944.
TH IR DS Comes to the Zephyr in Hollywood This Week
In an alternate timeline of American history in which the Civil War was never fought, America stands divided into three separate countries: The Union, The Confederate, and The Pacific States of America.
In an alternate timeline of American history in which the Civil War was never fought, America stands divided into three separate countries: The Union, The Confederate, and The Pacific States of America.
Jonathan Silverstein Will Depart Keen Company as Artistic Director Following the 2024-2025 Season
Keen Company's Artistic Director Jonathan Silverstein will step down following the completion of the 2024-25 season. Jonathan has held the position for the past 12 years starting in 2012.
Keen Company's Artistic Director Jonathan Silverstein will step down following the completion of the 2024-25 season. Jonathan has held the position for the past 12 years starting in 2012.
Cast and Creatives Announced For Rachel O'Riordan's Revival of OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has announced the full cast and creative team for Olivier Award-winning classic Our Country's Good, written by Timberlake Wertenbaker, and directed by Artistic Director Rachel O'Riordan.
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has announced the full cast and creative team for Olivier Award-winning classic Our Country's Good, written by Timberlake Wertenbaker, and directed by Artistic Director Rachel O'Riordan.
Dublin Theatre Festival Reveals Its 2024 Programme
The Festival has unveiled 30 productions in its 2024 programme, featuring new voices as well as familiar faces, a wealth of Irish and International work, exploring stories about family, identity, migration, climate, colonial legacies, conflict and its resolution.
The Festival has unveiled 30 productions in its 2024 programme, featuring new voices as well as familiar faces, a wealth of Irish and International work, exploring stories about family, identity, migration, climate, colonial legacies, conflict and its resolution.
25 Theater Books for Your Summer 2024 Reading List
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Summer 2024 reading list.
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Summer 2024 reading list.
Winners Announced For Critics Awards For Theatre In Scotland 2024
Winners were announced today at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow.
Winners were announced today at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow.
Photos: MOLLY SWEENEY Celebrates Opening Night at Irish Rep
Irish Repertory Theatre is continuing The Friel Project with a fourth production, Molly Sweeney. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Irish Repertory Theatre is continuing The Friel Project with a fourth production, Molly Sweeney. Learn how to purchase tickets.
(PRAY), THE COMEUPPANCE, and More Take Home 2024 Lucille Lortel Awards - Full List of Winners!
The 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards will be presented at the annual ceremony which will take place tonight, Sunday, May 5, 2024, at NYU Skirball beginning at 7:00pm. See the winners as they come in here!
The 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards will be presented at the annual ceremony which will take place tonight, Sunday, May 5, 2024, at NYU Skirball beginning at 7:00pm. See the winners as they come in here!
Previews: DANCING AT LUGHNASA at City Theatre
City Theater Company gets their Irish on with Dancing At Lughnasa by Brian Friel, April 19-27, 2024 at The Delaware Contemporary.
City Theater Company gets their Irish on with Dancing At Lughnasa by Brian Friel, April 19-27, 2024 at The Delaware Contemporary.
WET BRAIN, STEREOPHONIC & More Nominated for 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards - See the Full List!
Nominations for the 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway were announced by Amber Iman and George Abud. Check out the full list of nominees!
Nominations for the 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway were announced by Amber Iman and George Abud. Check out the full list of nominees!
Review Roundup: PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME! at the Irish Rep
The Friel Project continues at Irish Rep, where Philadelphia, Here I Come! just celebrated its opening night. Check out what the critics are saying about the production here.
The Friel Project continues at Irish Rep, where Philadelphia, Here I Come! just celebrated its opening night. Check out what the critics are saying about the production here.
Ken Ludwig World Premiere & More Set for Asolo Repertory Theatre 2024-25 Season
Asolo Repertory Theatre, has revealed its 2024-2025 season. See the full lineup of plays and learn how to purchase tickets.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, has revealed its 2024-2025 season. See the full lineup of plays and learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: FAITH HEALER, Lyric Hammersmith
Frank Hardy has a problem. He’s an Irish faith healer without faith in his power to heal. It comes, it goes and he only knows for sure when it is not going to happen. With his wife Grace and manager Teddy, their tour of Wales and Scotland in a battered van has seen his abilities steadily failing him. A last throw of the die sees him return to his homeland. What could go wrong?
Frank Hardy has a problem. He’s an Irish faith healer without faith in his power to heal. It comes, it goes and he only knows for sure when it is not going to happen. With his wife Grace and manager Teddy, their tour of Wales and Scotland in a battered van has seen his abilities steadily failing him. A last throw of the die sees him return to his homeland. What could go wrong?
Writers Theatre Reveals 2024-2025 Season
The Writers Theatre has announced its 2024/25 season. The season kicks off with Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 this September. Learn more about the full lineup here!
The Writers Theatre has announced its 2024/25 season. The season kicks off with Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 this September. Learn more about the full lineup here!
Photos: First Look At FAITH HEALER At Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Production photos have been released for the major revival of Brian Friel’s powerful stage mystery Faith Healer, directed by Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.
Production photos have been released for the major revival of Brian Friel’s powerful stage mystery Faith Healer, directed by Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.
Photos: First Look At City Theatre's DANCING AT LUGHNASA
City Theatre continues the 2024 season with Brian Friel’s Tony Award winning play DANCING AT LUGHNASA. March 21 – 31 at Genesis Creative Collective. See photos of the production.
City Theatre continues the 2024 season with Brian Friel’s Tony Award winning play DANCING AT LUGHNASA. March 21 – 31 at Genesis Creative Collective. See photos of the production.
Review: DANCING AT LUGHNASA at Genesis Creative Collective
What did our critic think of DANCING AT LUGHNASA at Genesis Creative Collective?
What did our critic think of DANCING AT LUGHNASA at Genesis Creative Collective?
15 New Plays to be Presented at 16th Annual Origin 1st Irish Theatre Festival
The 16th annual Origin 1st Irish Theatre Festival will take place this year from March 23 to April 28 in New York.
The 16th annual Origin 1st Irish Theatre Festival will take place this year from March 23 to April 28 in New York.
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?
Brian Friel has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including: - 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! - Best Play (Tony Awards) for Philadelphia, Here I Come!
What awards has Brian Friel won?
Brian Friel has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He won Best Play at the Evening Standard Awards for The Home Place. He also earned the Best Foreign Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Molly Sweeney. Friel's acclaimed work, Dancing at Lughnasa, garnered multiple awards, including Best Play from both the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and the Tony Awards, as well as Best Play at the Evening Standard Awards. Additionally, he received the BBC Award for Play of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Dancing at Lughnasa. Friel's play Aristocrats also won Best Foreign Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and Best Play at the Evening Standard Awards.
Videos