
MISSION
“A PLACE FOR INNOVATIVE WRITING IN NEW YORK” Playbill
“A GATEWAY FOR PLAYWRIGHTS FROM EUROPE” The Irish Times
“AN IMPORTANT COMPANY” The New York Times
Founded in 2002 by George C. Heslin, Origin Theatre Company is a leading presenter and developer of new Irish theatre in the United States. Over the past two decades, Origin has introduced more than 400 Irish and Irish American playwrights to New York audiences, supported the work of over 5,000 theatre artists, and fostered countless transatlantic collaborations between Ireland and the United States.
Origin serves not only as a presenter of Irish theatre, but also as a vital incubator for new work. Productions developed and premiered through Origin have gone on to national and international acclaim, earning over a dozen New York Times Critics' Picks since 2008, and transferring to some of the world's most respected stages.
Notable productions include the U.S. premiere of Enda Walsh's Misterman, which transferred from a sold-out Off-Broadway engagement to both The Kennedy Center and the Dublin Theatre Festival; the world premiere of Larry Kirwan's Hard Times: An American Musical, which later evolved into the ten-time Tony Award–nominated Broadway musical Paradise Square; and the world premiere of Honor Molloy's Crackskull Row, which transferred to Irish Repertory Theatre and was subsequently published by Samuel French.
Throughout our history, we are proud to have presented dozen of U.S. and World Premieres alongside various producing partners, including The Abbey Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival, Lyric Theatre Belfast, Fishamble: The New Play Company, AboutFACE Theatre, Wexford Arts Centre, Collapsing Horse, Gúna Nua Theatre, Kabosh Theatre Company, Solas Nua, Inis Nua Theatre Company, Tir Na Theater Company, 59E59 Theaters, Irish Repertory Theatre, Irish Arts Center, New York Irish Center, American Irish Historical Society, NYU's Glucksman Ireland House, the Consulate General of Ireland, New York, The Drilling Company, An Beal Bocht Cafe, The Cell Theatre, and Mint Theater Company.
Today, Origin continues to champion emerging and established artists through productions, festivals, artist development programs, and cultural initiatives that strengthen artistic exchange between the United States and Ireland. By connecting artists, audiences, and institutions across the Atlantic, Origin creates opportunities for new voices to be heard and new stories to take the stage.
Join us in shaping the future of Transatlantic storytelling. Your support matters.
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