JANE BRENNAN

THE WAKE by Tom Murphy  (Character : Vera)  Abbey Theatre, 1998

Well, here I am in my ‘shift’ on the Abbey stage 91 years after the mere mention of that word caused riots in the Abbey Theatre! There were a few slamming seats however at some of the graphic language in the play. But what a great play! And Vera goes through the mill as her idealised family reveal themselves to her in all their hypocrisy and avarice. It was produced as the Celtic Tiger was about to roar and this play roared back. Thank you Tom!

THE SECRET FALL OF CONSTANCE WILDE  by Tom Kilroy (Character : Constance) Abbey Theatre, 1997

One of my more relaxing moments playing Constance Wilde in Tom Kilroy’s extraordinary and challenging play! A difficult but rewarding role.
On the opening night, I met Merlin Holland, Oscar and Constance’s grandson, he handed me Constance’s wedding ring and told me to wear it for the rest of the evening. It was such a kind and generous gesture, one I didn’t feel altogether worthy of on the night but It is a treasured memory.

‘TIS PITY SHES A WHORE , by John Ford (Character : Annabella) Druid Theatre, 1985

Ciarán Hinds and I had no problem recreating the white heat of illicit love between Annabella and Giovanni in John Fords brilliant Jacobean tragedy, as we had both just fallen  in love – with other people !
1985 was my favourite year. I was working with Druid in Galway, life was exciting and full of possibilities and I had met the love of my life, Tom Murphy.
Amelia’s photographs of this production capture a profound stillness and depth of passion at the heart of this great play.

JANE BRENNAN 07/05/2020