Sir, I note with interest Michael Cassidy's enquiry (May 7th) regarding the performance of Martin McDonagh's work in Dublin. It is amusing to think that Dublin has to wait to see theatre of this calibre, when in fact the opposite has been the case for many years. Mr Cassidy might now have some understanding of the frustration felt by theatre lovers in the regions who, before the development and success of companies like Druid, had to bear gracefully the burden of watching from a distance the better fortunes of their counterparts living in the capital.
Druid Theatre Company's first commitment is to its audiences in Galway and its touring venues in Ireland. I am sure that Mr Cassidy bears no resentment towards the people of Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Westmeath, Mayo, Donegal and Antrim (not to mention all three Aran Islands) who were afforded the opportunity, through an extensive touring policy on the part of Druid, to see Martin's work before him and his neighbours in Dublin. When the opportunity arises for international visits - in this case to London's Royal Court Theatre in July and August I have no doubt that he would also wish us well.
Let me nevertheless put Mr Cassidy out of his misery; audiences in Dublin, should they be unable to travel to Galway in June for the world premiere of The Leenane Trilogy, will be pleased to note that it will feature on a Dublin stage as part of the 1997 Dublin Theatre Festival in October. I very much look forward to welcoming Mr Cassidy to the show. - Yours, etc.,
General Manager,
Druid Theatre Company, Chapel Lane,
Galway.