A Performance on Screen
Irish Repertory Theatre
In association with Bonnie Timmermann
Presents
The Cordelia Dream
By Marina Carr
Directed by Joe O’Byrne
Starring Stephen Brennan and Danielle Ryan
“It [the play] is an exceptional instance of filmed theatre that uses the tools and challenges of an altered medium and mode of experience to heighten the stakes of its story.” – The Indiependent
“A merciless and captivating piece of work.” – Katy Hayes, The Irish Independent
In a response to one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, the North American premiere of Marina Carr’s play comes to life on screen with the mysterious and tense confrontation of woman and man. When Woman, haunted by her dream of Cordelia and King Lear, confronts Man, their disturbed relationship is exposed. As his protege, she has come seeking enlightenment, but he orders silence in exchange for artistry and concession.
Fast forward five years, and she returns again for one final visit. Will the two be able to see eye to eye? Or will the meeting lead to mutually assured destruction? The Cordelia Dream continues to cement Marina Carr’s status as one of Ireland’s most acclaimed living playwrights with her deep insight into the complex nature of families and how we handle the darkness within.
Irish Rep is proud to present the North American premiere of The Cordelia Dream by Marina Carr, one of Ireland’s most acclaimed living playwrights. Carr is the author of more than 20 published plays, and has won numerous awards, including The Irish Times’ playwright award. The Cordelia Dream was commissioned by The Royal Shakespeare Company and closed their 2008 season at Wilton’s Music Hall in London. A rehearsed reading was produced in November 2020 in Cork’s Everyman Theatre.
Read the performance program here!
“The harrowing work hits even deeper at a time when loved ones are reuniting after the long pandemic lockdown” – This Week in New York City
““With echoes of Stringberg and Shaw, Ibsen and Synge, Carr evokes them all in minutes without copying any of them, creating a world that is uniquely hers.” – Theater Pizzazz
““[Danielle] Ryan is a Shakespearean heroine in her own right…[Stephen Brennan] delivers a layered performance…the perfect emotional countermelody” – Theatrely
SPECIAL THANKS:
Anthony Fox, Eva Walsh, Rhona Gouldson, Archie Chen, and a very special thanks to the Howard Gilman Foundation for their support of our digital initiatives.
The Cordelia Dream was first presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company at Wilton’s Music Hall on December 11, 2008.
