The Irish Repertory Theatre provides a context for understanding the contemporary Irish-American experience through evocative works of theater, music, and dance. This mission is accomplished by staging the works of Irish and Irish-American classic and contemporary playwrights, encouraging the development of new works focused on the Irish and Irish-American experience, and producing the works of other cultures interpreted through the lens of an Irish sensibility.
Founded by Ciarán O’Reilly and Charlotte Moore, The Irish Repertory Theatre opened its doors in September 1988 with Sean O’Casey’s The Plough and the Stars. In 1995, the theater made its permanent home in Chelsea on three completely renovated floors of a former warehouse, allowing for both the Francis J. Greenburger Main Stage and a smaller studio space, the W. Scott McLucas Studio. The Irish Repertory Theatre is currently the only year-round theater company in New York City devoted exclusively to bringing Irish and Irish-American works to the stage.
Recognized with dozens of awards, including the 2013 Outer Critics Circle Special Achievement Award, the 2007 Jujamcyn Theatres Award, a special Drama Desk Award for “Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish drama,” and the Lucille Lortel Award for “Outstanding Body of Work,” The Irish Repertory Theatre has celebrated the very best in Irish theater for twenty-eight years, from the masters to the new generation of Irish and Irish-American writers who are transforming the stage. More than 40,000 audience members annually attend productions at Irish Rep where they experience the company’s engaging perspective on the Irish and their unique contributions to the world of drama.
Below is a wonderful video produced by TDF featuring founders Ciarán O’Reilly and Charlotte Moore discussing the “native understanding” that is the heart & soul of the Irish Rep.