Acting Between the Lines

Acting Between the Lines is the first full-length study of Northern Ireland's Field Day Theatre Company. Since its creation in 1980 by actor Stephen Rea (The Crying Game) and playwright Brian Friel (Translations, Dancing at Lughnasa), Field Day has established itself as one of the most important elements in contemporary Irish culture. From its base in Northern Ireland, the Company has brought challenging drama to the entire island, 'from Coleraine to Kerry'. With the addition to its board of directors of poets and critics such as Tom Paulin, Seamus Heaney, Seamus Deane, and broadcaster David Hammond, Field Day has ventured into the realm of the more explicitly political with a controversial pamphlet series. Marilynn Richtarik has written a fascinating introduction to Field Day, providing a senstive analysis of the complex interrelationship of Irish history, politics, and culture.