Friel Reimagined will focus on the heritage and legacy of the writings of Brian Friel, the late dramatist, short story writer and founder member of the Field Day Theatre Company. With connections on both sides of the border throughout his career, Friel was one of Ireland’s leading playwrights during his lifetime and is widely recognised as one of the greatest dramatists of his generation.

The project will present a range of public events and a touring exhibition in 2022, offering insights into the work of the renowned playwright and connecting his legacy with new audiences.

The team has begun an ambitious digitization of Friel’s papers from the National Library of Ireland relating to five of his key plays, and a series of outreach workshops with community partners representing disadvantaged and marginalized communities, led by Bruiser Theatre Company. Next year will see a new digital and in-person exhibition based on the archival papers alongside talks, workshops, and masterclasses.

Find out more on the project website at https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/friel-reimagined/

 

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Representatives from Queen’s University and the National Lottery Heritage Fund at the launch event for Friel Reimagined. L-R: Frances McNally, Investment Manager, National Lottery Heritage Fund; Dr Kurt Taroff, Head of School of Arts, English and Languages; Dr Paul Murphy, Senior Lecturer, School of Arts, English and Languages and Project Lead, Friel Reimagined; Dr Conor McCafferty, Project and Outreach Manager, Friel Reimagined; Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.