Field Day announces cast for Shepard world premiere

A Particle of Dread (Oedipus Variations) opens on November 28 and runs until December 7, and promises to be one of the theatrical highlights of the year with the much anticipated return to the city by Field Day, the company founded in Londonderry in 1980 by Stephen Rea and Brian Friel.

Chief Executive of Culture Company, Shona McCarthy said: “We are delighted to welcome Field Day back to the city - the relationship that has developed with the theatre company over the years extends right back to 1980 when Stephen Rea first collaborated with Brian Friel to produce Translations. So it’s fitting that we revisit and celebrate the return of Field Day during our culture year.

“And to host the world premiere of a work by such an acclaimed writer as Sam Shepard is a real thrill for theatre goers here. It’s one of the final highlight events in our cultural programme and one of the last chances to take part in the celebrations before the curtain falls on 2013.”

In a career spanning nearly 50 years, Sam Shepard has gained the critical regard, media attention, and iconic status enjoyed by only a rare few in American theatre. His stage work includes classics such as Buried Child, True West and A Lie of the Mind, along with screenplays such as Paris, Texas and Fool for Love. He is also well known as a talented TV and film actor, with appearances in a wide range of art-house and mainstream movies, including Steel Magnolias, The Pelican Brief, Black Hawk Down, Don’t Come Knocking, and

Brothers.

Field Day’s unique collaboration of theatre greats also includes award-winning American director Nancy Meckler. Nancy was the first woman to direct at the National Theatre in London and was Artistic Director of English touring company Shared Experience for over two decades. Her most recent work includes acclaimed productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and for Scottish Ballet.

She will be joined in by some of Ireland’s top theatre practitioners, including set designer Frank Conway, lighting designer John Comiskey, costume designer Lorna Mugan, composer Neil Martin, and sound designer Sam Jackson. A cast of seven Irish actors, led by Stephen Rea, will see some of our most experienced and successful performers working alongside some of our brightest young stars. Field Day is delighted to welcome Londonderry actress Judith Roddy, Donegal actors Frank Laverty and Iarla McGowan, Brid Brennan who is from Belfast, Newry actor Caolan Byrne, and Strabane native Lloyd Hutchinson to the company.

This project has been made possible thanks to the support of the Culture Company, the British Council and the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure.

Tickets are on sale now via The Playhouse website www.derryplayhouse.co.uk or by calling box office on 028 7126 8027.