A rural 19th century Irish village faces the arrival of a corps of British military engineers, there to map the area and rename its places. The presence of these outsiders forces the inhabitants to confront a changing and uncertain future, and under this shadow an impossible romance between a soldier and a village girl begins.

Friel's timeless masterpiece is a moving reflection on Irish history, and a poignant story about community, colonialism, identity and the power of language as it affects us all.

Garry Hynes was the first woman to receive the Tony award for best director. She is a founder of the Druid Theatre Company, and her work has been seen at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, where she was artistic director; the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Royal Court in London, the Kennedy Center, and on Broadway. Recently the Irish Times called her "the director of her generation."

Brian Friel's work has been produced throughout the world, including multiple productions at Dublin's Abbey Theatre, on the West End, and on Broadway. A member of the Irish Academy of Letters, he was elected to Aosdana, the national treasure of Irish artists in 1982. He is a Tony award winner, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Royal Society of Literature. His other plays include Dancing at Lughnasa and Faith Healer.

Produced in association with Manhattan Theatre Club, Artistic director Lynne Meadow, Executive producer, Barry Grove.

Appropriate for ages 12 and up