The Eugene O’Neill International Festival of Theatre is delighted to announce the world premiere of ‘Teddy’, an original play by Wexford playwright and Irish Times best-selling author, Sheila Forsey. This red carpet premiere, set for Friday, 11th October 2024, at St Michael’s Theatre in New Ross, is poised to be a major highlight of the festival, showcasing the extraordinary talent emerging from our local artistic community.
Sheila Forsey is making history as the first female playwright featured in the Eugene O’Neill Festival in New Ross following in the footsteps of acclaimed playwrights such as Eoin Colfer and Billy Roche. She shares her journey in bringing ‘Teddy’ to life: “I’m delighted to say that my first full-length play is heading to the stage as part of the International Eugene O’Neill Festival in St. Michael’s Theatre in New Ross”, said Sheila. Many theatre goers in Kilkenny will remember Sheila during her time working in Kilkenny where she performed with Watergate Productions.
Teddy, is set on a farm in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, during the 1980s Christmas season. The play follows the poignant and powerful story of Rose, who returns to her childhood home for Christmas with the life-changing news that she intends to take her developmentally challenged adult son, Teddy, to live with her. As the traditional Irish Christmas carol “Wexford Carol” echoes throughout the play, old tensions between Rose and her mother are reignited, leading to a dramatic confrontation over what is truly best for Teddy and who is fit to be his mother. The play delves deep into themes of family, responsibility, and love, with a heart-wrenching narrative that will resonate with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
Reflecting on the play’s development, Sheila said: “The play began with the Wexford Playwrights Studio and had a professional recorded reading under the direction of Ben Barnes, funded by Wexford Arts Council, The Arts Council, and Wexford Arts Centre. There were many fantastic mentors as part of this process, including our very own Billy Roche, who was truly inspirational as a mentor.” She added, “But now a new chapter for the play is in progress. After many drafts with the wonderful guidance of its director, the play will finally premiere on October 11th under the direction of Eric Fraisher Hayes, Artistic Director of the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House, California.”
Adding to the unique appeal of this premiere is its cast, which features a blend of Irish and American actors, reflecting the festival’s theme of “Two Countries, One Family.” Directed by US Director Eric Fraisher Hayes, the cast includes local actors Margaret Rossiter as Lily, Sean O’Brien as Bobby and Kevin Phelen as Teddy, well-known award winning Co Wexford actor Andy Doyle as Jim and Californian actress Isabel Siragusa as Rose.
Sheila Forsey, already well-known for her best-selling historical fiction, brings her nuanced understanding of character and emotion to her work. Her three historical fiction novels, set in 20th-century Ireland, explore the themes of emigration to America and the repercussions of separation—a longing for home, but always with an eye on distant places. Her writing has received numerous acclaimed reviews for providing a visual and textured insight into Ireland’s past. In addition to her work as an author, Sheila is also a playwright and a tutor in creative writing. She was a finalist in the Scripts Ireland Playwriting Festival 2021 for her play ‘The Memory Room’.
Eugene O’Neill Festival Chair, Sean Reidy, reflects “This premiere is not just the debut of a new play; it’s a celebration of Wexford’s artistic talent and a powerful testament to the deep cultural connections between Ireland and the United States. The Eugene O’Neill Festival has always been about bridging cultures through theatre, and this event embodies that mission beautifully.
We invite you to join us for this extraordinary occasion as we honor the creative spirit of our community and experience the world premiere of ‘Teddy’.”
Event Details:
Friday, 11th October 2024
8:00 PM
St Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Booking Link: https://stmichaelsnewross.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873661007
For more information about the festival and to book your tickets, please visit https://eugeneoneillfestival.com/ or contact Sean Reidy 087-271 3776.
About the Eugene O’Neill International Festival of Theatre:
The Eugene O’Neill International Festival of Theatre in New Ross is a cultural and civic celebration of the strong ties between Ireland and the United States, exemplified by Eugene O’Neill’s Irish heritage. The festival promotes the art of theatre in New Ross and County Wexford, showcasing both established and emerging talents in the theatrical world.
