Why is it important to create opportunities for cultural exchange among nations?

 

The short answer is: to reveal secrets and to make community. Without the revelation of the human spirit that comes through metaphor, there is nothing to take us beyond the daily grind of our existence, to give it meaning. If one has the point of view that art is essential to life, it is important to find ways to share the artistic experience, to connect to others and to the world for mutually enriching results. There is a fundamental paradox in that the art of a particular culture is specific and distinctive, but, at its core, it demonstrates the universal within the framework of its individuality. This is what the global village should always contain – the exchange of a nation's very best cultural artifacts, to promote understanding and meaningful communication. This is why American plays should come to Ireland and Irish plays must be performed in the United States.

 

In early 2000, The Keegan Theatre imported The Derry Boat from Ireland for its American premiere. The production received unanimous rave reviews, and a Helen Hayes nomination.

In summer 2000, the Keegan production of Sam Shepard's Fool for Love played at Ireland's famous Town Hall Theatre, which has hosted works by renowned companies such as the Druid, the Gate, and the Abbey.

"Arlington's Keegan came, acted, and conquered the hearts of Ireland's fourth largest city last week . . . performing to appreciative audiences and nailing down a return engagement." Sun Weekly "Keegan Theatre Company's compelling production of Sam Shepard's Fool for Love made for a powerful evening of theatre at the Town Hall last week . . .Shepard's play is set in a dingy motel room brilliantly realized in George Lucas' set design . . . Rhea and McWilliams were riveting throughout. . . Eric Lucas' direction was first-rate. . . Keegan Theatre's next visit to these shores can't come soon enough." -Galway Advertiser (Ireland Tour 2000)

In summer 2001, the program expanded to a three-week three-city tour in Ireland. Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof played to full houses and was critically acclaimed in Galway, Kilkenny, and Dublin.

"It's a terrific production . . . powerful . . .highly charged . . .sterling performances. . . a classic of its type - go see it. . ." -Radio Kilkenny 96.6

"This is a fantastic production of Williams' masterpiece. To miss it would be a great error indeed. The set is breathtaking, the acting is superb and the atmosphere that permeates the air in the theatre itself is unbreakable. This is probably the best show you'll see all year . . . " -Kilkenny People Newspaper

"It's a superb production." -Galway Advertiser

"This production by the Keegan Theatre, a US company, is solid. . . Brick is nicely taken by Mark A Rhea, who also directs. . . the performance of the evening comes from Brian Hemmingsen, as Big Daddy, who opens the work out like an oyster. . . a satisfying evening's theatre. . ." -The Irish Times

In 2002, the company, presenting Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, was heartily invited back to all three venues from summer 2001, with two additional venues added, Donegal and Armagh.

". . .The hallmark of Keegan productions has always been first-rate acting and Glass Menagerie is no exception. . . Brian Hemmingsen's focused direction is rewarded with four top drawer performances. . . Chief among these is Linda High's beautifully nuanced and sensitive portrayal of Amanda. . .Susan Grevengoed's Laura is a full of seductive tenderness, fragile hope, and final, heart-rending disappointment. . . Mark Rhea's performance as Tom has just the right solidity and natural conviction. . .a very fine production. . .Go See. . ." -Galway Advertiser

In 2003, the company expanded the tour even further, adding Sligo, Limerick, Letterkenny, and Coleraine, with Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The show returned to Washington as an "Editor's Pick" by The Washington Post, a "Best Bet" on WETA's Around Town and one of the actors, Carlos Bustamante, was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for his outstanding performance in the production.

The 2004 tour production delivered the same high standard of excellence with another truly American classic, Sam Shepard's True West, which traveled to nine venues across Ireland and Northern Ireland.  The show, directed by Susan Marie Rhea, starred Eric Lucas and Mark Rhea, and opened in Dublin in early September. True West opened in the States in November 2004 to critical and audience acclaim.

“The acting is quite perfect, with Eric Lucas (Austin), Mark Rhea (Lee), Brian Hemmingsen (Saul) and Carol Baker (Mom) wholly absorbing in their roles. Susan Marie Rhea directs with the intimate understanding that underpins this fine production."
--The Irish Times

"Director Susan Marie Rhea successfully exploits True West’s bizarre undertone to turn this ominous tale of brotherly conflict into dark comedy … Lucas disappears into nerdy Austin, insecurities barely buried beneath his controlled exterior. Rhea radiates explosive resentment as filthy, feral Lee…”

"True West is pointed comedy in director Susan Marie Rhea’s hands … the stripping away of personalities is compelling … Rhea throws himself into the part ... [in] Keegan Theatre's violent, funny True West.

“Audiences don't know whether to laugh or cry..." --
--The Washington Post

"Expertly directed ... a laugh-out loud event with poignant moments ... if you're planning an evening in Old Town, go spend some time with the boys of True West"
--Washington Theater Review

"Shepard's brand of cowboy contentiousness is a Keegan specialty--and the troupe lunges at True West with a finely honed vulgarity.... "
--Washington CityPaper

"The struggle between Rhea and Lucas - with all its inventiveness, all its flamboyance and all its humor - is so fun to watch."
--Potomac Stages

". . . memorable comic moments and conflicted, volatile characters . . . the play has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and frequent pinpricks of truth"
--Arlington Sun-Weekly