It has been a remarkable decade to say the least and in the best traditions of anniversary milestones here are the HIGHLIGHTS of the first fifteen years of Origin Theatre:
- Presented the work of more than 50 European playwrights, all of the work was seen in the U.S for the first time
- Launched the 1st Irish Theatre festival which has presented work by nearly 100 Irish playwrights
- NYC theatre debuts for Abi Morgan (writer of The Iron Lady with Meryl Streep and Shame with Michael Fassbender) Enda Walsh (Broadway: Once), Samuel Adamson (Lincoln Centre & London West End: War Horse, co-writer), Mark O’Rowe (The Public) & Lucy Caldwell (Dylan Thomas Prize)
- Transatlantic partnerships with 57 organizations, including the Irish and British Consulates, the American Irish Historical Society, the Northern Ireland Bureau, the Wales International Center, Fordham University and the Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts
- Plaudits from Irish President Mary McAleese
- Bill Clinton’s official appreciation of the work of Origin 2010 invitation to The White House to meet President Obama Building an audience of more than 35,000 friends Press coverage across all titles and key broadcasters, including the Irish Times, the New York Times, the Washington Post and PBS
- Mondays of May reading series filling NYU Ireland House to capacity
Really those are just the brightest threads of the rich tapestry of theatre that we have weaved into the cultural landscape of New York City and beyond since 2002. And none of this would have been possible without public support from our Cultural Believers. This boundless energy and enthusiasm has enabled us to realize Origin’s founding vision:
“to create theatre that truly reaches people…a theatre that tells stories, stirs the emotions and encourages new dialogue. Because there is incredibly wonderful work by amazing young playwrights being presented throughout Europe, and Origin is their gateway to America. Origin’s work seeks to explore cultural identity and global understanding from the unique perspective of these young writers.”
Yet we need your ongoing support for our continued success and future growth. As we open the chapter on our sixteenth birthday season, we need you to dig deep to help us to meet and exceed our previous achievements.
Thank-you!