This is a celebration of Brian Friel's work housed in the National Library. Scholars and performers from across the globe will join in an exploration of how one of Ireland's greatest playwrights continues to inspire audiences around the world. Marking the 11th anniversary of Friel's death, our second annual event will feature international experts discussing his work alongside unique performances that reveal how his work has travelled and been translated into different languages, cultures and theatrical traditions. This celebration will occur in two parts across the afternoon and evening. Please find the details of both below. Afternoon Session The afternoon seminar Brian Friel and the Global Audience will be convened by Declan Kiberd, Professor Emeritus of Notre Dame University, whose scholarship has helped shape international understanding of Friel's contribution to literature, theatre and cultural life. The seminar will feature academics from France, Spain, Germany, Italy and the United States who have translated, taught and written studies of Friel's work. Many of their books remain unavailable in English, offering fresh international perspectives on the impact of Friel’s work. Afternoon session will take place from 2pm - 4:45pm. Evening Session Director Patrick Mason, who won a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for his Broadway production of Brian Friel's Dancing at Lughnasa will act as Master of Ceremonies for the evening performance, Ballybeg Goes Global . This showcases how Friel's work has been reimagined around the world. Featuring performers travelling from Senegal, presenting scenes from a French-language adaptation of Translations , incorporating West African musical traditions and djembe drumming. It will also include Hēmi Kelly from New Zealand performing excerpts from his translation of Friel's work into te reo Māori and French actor Jérôme Pouly, known for his work with the prestigious Comédie-Française, who will perform a scene from Faith Hea

Description supplied by the event organiser.