We all live in a network of complex relationships, with families, friends, partners and our communities. However, as Finn declares ‘Love is the disturber’ and it can upset this delicate balance, as friends turn on friends and insiders become outsiders, upending the order of our worlds. 

In Lady Gregory’s groundbreaking 1912 play, Grania*, these age-old dynamics come to life, through the story of three legendary Irish figures, Gráinne, Diarmuid and Fionn Mac Cumhaill.

Reimagined for 2024 by director Caitríona McLaughlin, for its first ever production at the Abbey Theatre, Grania connects us to our past and illuminate our present. Speaking about the play, the director commented ‘Diarmuid and Gráinne is considered one of the greatest love stories of all time. In Grania, Lady Gregory’s version certainly is that, but not in the way you might think. I’ve wanted to direct it for a long time’.

* A Latin spelling of the name Gráinne

Post Show Talk 

Following the performance on October 22nd, Dr Melissa Sihra, Associate Professor in Drama Studies at Trinity College Dublin and Dr Cathy Leeney, Emeritus Assistant Professor in Drama Studies at University College Dublin will join Ruth McGowan, Literary & New Work Director at the Abbey Theatre in conversation about Augusta Gregory as a playwright. They will discuss her writing in the context of European theatre of its time, and the contribution Grania makes to the canon of theatrical work by women.

Experience the world of Grania 

Caitríona McLaughlin On The Power Of Grania 

Read more here 

Production Images 

Audio Described Programme Notes 

Download the audio-described programme notes here, or listen to them below.

Cast Announcement 

Go behind the scenes in the rehearsal room