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Thomas Kilroy was formally connected with The National Theatre Society Ltd (The Abbey Theatre) as a Play Editor from 1977 to 1978, and as Writer-in-Association from 1998 to 1999. Most of his plays were first produced by the Abbey Theatre, but correspondence strictly relating to a play is found in the corresponding production file. The series comprises files deriving from these two periods of collaboration and beyond, documentation of a petition Kilroy and Brian Friel drew up in 1997, as well as printed records collected by Kilroy for information on the Abbey's management and work.

Correspondence and other material relating to Mary O'Malley's involvement with the Abbey Theatre and the National Theatre Society, of which she was a board member. Files have been maintained in Mary O'Malley's original order.

Arthur Shields joined the Abbey School of acting in 1913, he received his first contract with the company in 1916. Shields stayed with the company until he took a leave of absence in 1939, in the event that absence became permanent. During his time with the Abbey as well as managing tours of the United States he appeared in the first productions of a number of celebrated plays, included 'Juno And The Paycock', 'The Shadow Of A Gunman' and 'The Plough And The Stars' by Sean O'Casey. Other than material relating to the Abbey tours of North America only a small amount of material relating to the Abbey is included in this collection, this material however includes letters from W.B. Yeats, Lady Gregory and George Yeats.

File of writings and documents relating to the Board of Directors of the abbey Theatre, Dublin, of which Lelia Doolan was Artistic Director at the time. Includes correspondence between Doolan and members of the Board and Management including Micheál O'hAodha, John Slemon, Tomás Mac Anna; re. programming choices, rehearsal periods, artistic policy and other related matters.
File also includes outline 'Particulars Re. Position of Artistic Director; Particulars of Vacancy for Theatre Manager; text of statement by the Abbey Theatre owing to position with Lelia Doolan; a manuscript document written by Doolan "Policy for the Abbey - Draft Headings" 14 May 1972; and other assorted manuscript notes by Doolan.

Manuscript writings on note cards and notepaper by Lelia Doolan and with outlines of thoughts and notes on the history of the Abbey Theatre; notes on management and programming of the Abbey in the early 1970s, mention of planned productions, vision for the term as Artistic Director, working with writers, actor training plans, notes about Bertolt Brecht, notes about Oedipus, text of untitled essay/article by Doolan on the relationship between drama and life; notes re. Abbey board meeting as recounted by Doolan, dated 5 Sep 1972.

A new theatre building to house the Abbey theatre was opened on Abbey Street Dublin in 1966. The backstage area of the theatre had been burnt down in a fire in 1951. The new building was designed by Michael Scott and partners. The official opening of the new theatre coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of the 1916 rising and a plaque dedicated to members of the Abbey company who had taken part in the rising was unveiled at a special ceremony a week after the official opening of the theatre. Arthur Shields had hoped to attend both events, however he was unable to travel to Ireland due to ill health. His daughter Christine was however able to attend both events on his behalf.

Abbey Theatre 'call' for the week beginning 12 December 1932, issued by Arthur Shields; includes details of travel arrangements, accommodation and plays to be performed.

File of letters and cards to Lelia Doolan and relating primarily to her time as Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre Dublin Letters include a letter of reference for Alan Simpson by Lelia Doolan; Letters between Doolan and Rev. Fr. A Delaney, O.P., re. sourcing of robes as costumes for Abbey production of Shaw's "St. Joan" (Dec 1972); Letter from Flann Ó Riann, 6 Jul 1973; Invitation to Doolan from Provost of Trinity College Dublin to Winter Commencement Dinner (7 Dec 1972); Telegram of well wishes to Doolan from Jeremy [ ] ( 8 Aug 1972)Telegram of well wishes to Doolan from Tony and Anne (8 Aug 1972); Letter from Bob Lowenstein; Letter from Michael Callinan, written on headed paper as a prisoner of H.M. Prison Jebb avenue, Brixton, London (17 Oct 1972); Letter from G.L. Barrow (6 Dec 1972); Letter from Christine [ ] (5 Feb 1973); Letter from Paul McGloughlan, (6 Dec 1972); Letter from Jim Ballantyne (Nov 1973 - May 1974); Letter from Helen Cahill, 19 Nov 1973; Letter from playwright Lee Dunne (19 Nov 1973); Letter from writer Brian Moore; Letter from playwright Brian Friel; Letter from director Joe Dowling; Letter from Frank McDermott; Letter from director Hugh Hunt (8 Nov 1973); Letter from Jack Kelly SJ, Jesuit House, Milltown; 20 Jun 1972; Postcard from Claire Bloom (12 Mar 1974); Letter from John Jordan (14 Mar 1973) Letter from Roger McHugh (6 Dec 1973); Letter from John Arden and Margaretta D'Arcy (30 Nov 1973); Copy letter from Ernest Blythe.

File of documents relating to a documentary made in c. 1987 about the abbey Theatre. Includes transcript of interview with Lelia Doolan, letters from Kathleen Barrington of the Abbey to Doolan with updates on planning and arrangements from filming etc. Other assorted documents on the history of the Abbey and about archive items of the Abbey - photographs, designs, people etc.

Opening Night: 06/08/1938
Venue: Dublin