About Us

MISSION

Origin Theatre Company premieres a diverse range

of contemporary Irish theatre in New York City.

Since its inception in 2002, Origin has been devoted to discovering, nurturing, and introducing new exciting voices from Europe, whose work provides unique perspectives on national identity, cross-cultural relations, and global understanding. Since the global pandemic, Origin has shifted it's focus to supporting playwrights who produce work that reflects the experiences of the global Irish diaspora.

Through both its mainstage productions and theatre festivals, Origin is proud to offer these artists an important gateway to America.

Anchor 1

"To work as a playwright on Spinning the Times with Origin

was a fantastic experience. I have never had a play produced in the US, let alone off-Broadway. This was my first time to reach an American audience. Nothing is more special to a playwright than having work travel to America and it is extremely rare for a Northern Irish voice to reach the American stage."

Rosemary Jenkinson, Playwright

Our Story

ORIGIN (N): THE POINT AT WHICH SOMETHING COMES INTO EXISTENCE

Since 2002 Origin has been telling stories that stir the emotions and explore cultural identity from fresh new voices.

For two decades Origin has established itself as the gateway to North America for Europe’s most respected award-winning playwrights.

We connect with international theatre makers, nurture the next generation of playwrights and launch the best of what Ireland & Europe has to offer in New York. And we’re the ONLY theatre company in New York solely dedicated to producing American premieres from across the Atlantic.

With the launch of our annual 1st Irish Festival in 2008, we’ve continued this mission, bringing even more new work to New York and promoting the talent of artists and theatre companies from throughout the United States and Ireland. The success of 1st Irish has exceeded our wildest dreams, presenting works by 250 Irish playwrights in its 11 years history.

OUR STORY