Brian Dennehy comes West as The Bull in new production of 'The Field'

John B Keane’s award-winning play The Field will visit the Royal Theatre and Event Centre in Castlebar from Tuesday, February 22 to Thursday, February 24. This highly acclaimed production featuring celebrated Hollywood actor Brian Dennehy received excellent reviews during its four-week stint at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin.

Directed by the former Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre, Joe Dowling, The Field is set in a small country village in rural Ireland and its dark and sad story burrows deep into the heart of a community. At its core is the enduring link between the Irish people and ‘the land’.

The Field is based on the true story of the 1959 murder of Moss Moore, a local bachelor farmer. His neighbour, Dan Foley, with whom Moore had a long-standing dispute over a right-of-way, was believed to have committed the murder. Foley’s family denied the charge and no one was ever brought to justice. The play does not hide from the truth and its dark portrayal of life in Ireland has struck a chord with audiences throughout the world.

Irish Theatre Magazine described the production and direction by Joe Dowling as “very enjoyable with a strong focus on the audience”. It praised it for treating “Keane’s work with seriousness and. . .. integrity – but it also has a good-humoured lightness of touch that makes the play reassuringly accessible”.

The Irish Times described the production as “sensitive” and “contemporary” adding that “Keane’s greatest skill is in his understanding of character; the scabrous wit that can turn bitterness into an affectation. In this production, he is served more than well”.

A big draw in this production is the presence of Brian Dennehy, who has been involved with film, theatre, and television for three decades. He has twice won the Tony Award for Best Actor – for playing James Tyrone in Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night, and for playing Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman.

Along with Dennehy, the cast includes John Olohan, Bernadette McKenna, Stephen Hogan, Bosco Hogan, Gareth Lombard, Derbhle Crotty, Bríd Ní Neachtáin, Malcolm Adams, Gavin Fulham, Éamon Hunt and Alan Archbold.

The set design by Frank Hallinan Flood, offers an authentic interpretation of this rural town

Pat Jennings from the Royal Theatre is happy that his venue is hosting this renowned play, especially given its strong connections with the West of Ireland.

A film version of The Field was made in Leenane during October and November 1990, directed by Jim Sheridan. Despite a mixed critical reaction, many people have fond memories of the event.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.