Madam, - The report in Artscape (November 22nd) on the proposed Abbey Theatre centenary next year rightly comments on the paucity of work by female playwrights in the programme. Such fine writers as Teresa Deevy, for instance, have been ignored.
It is also notable for the complete absence of plays in Irish. From the theatre's early days, productions in Irish were a feature of the theatre's annual programme. A portion of the Abbey's generous grant from the State is provided on the understanding that such productions will be catered for. Is the theatre now receiving its grant under false pretences?
The programme also appears to have omitted plays by Yeats, its most illustrious founding father who, incidentally, encouraged productions in Irish at the theatre by Pearse and others.
The present obsession of the Abbey authorities with moving the theatre to a new site is in contrast to the lack of commitment to the quality of what is presented within its walls. The Abbey originally started in a former mortuary. It would be a pity if it were allowed to return artistically to its original function. - Yours, etc.,
SEÁN Mac an TEACHLAINN, Ceanannas, Co na Mí.
