Stage

Druid Theatre announces death of former artistic director Maelíosa Stafford

Stafford was artistic director of the Galway-based theatre company from 1991 to 1994

Maelíosa Stafford (centre) with Rory Nolan, Michael Glenn Murphy, Edwin Mullane and Gavin Drea in DruidMurphy: A Whistle in the Dark by Tom Murphy, directed by Garry Hynes. Photograph: Colm Hogan

Wed Apr 12 2023 - 11:57

Druid Theatre Company has announced the death of its former artistic director Maelíosa Stafford.

Stafford died suddenly at his home in Sydney on Easter Monday, his family has said.

In a statement, Druid said Stafford joined as an actor in 1978 and “played a pivotal role in the history of the company”. He was artistic director of the Galway-based theatre company from 1991 to 1994.

Druid cofounder and artistic director Garry Hynes said in a statement: “He was a terrific character actor and exceptionally talented as a director forging one of Druid’s greatest successes by commissioning and subsequently directing At the Black Pig’s Dyke by Vincent Woods.”

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Hynes continued: “He is an essential part of the Druid story, gone way too soon and we will miss him very much. My heart goes out to his family in Sydney and Ireland.”

Stafford’s Druid directing credits include At the Black Pig’s Dyke, Song of the Yellow Bittern, Belfry and The Midnight Court, while his Druid acting credits include The Lonesome West, Conversations on a Homecoming, A Whistle in the Dark and The Playboy of the Western World.

Marie Mullen, a Druid cofounder and Druid ensemble member, said: “Maelíosa cared so much about theatre, acting and Druid. He was a terrific actor ... He was such a brilliant comedic talent ... We will miss him so much, he was such a positive force.”

Stafford is survived by his wife Carolyn; his children Eoghan, Cian, Aelia and Benen; grandchild Banjo; his sisters Órfhlaith and Fionnuala; and brothers Conall and Ruairí.

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