Brian Friel's MAKING HISTORY Comes to The Everyman in April

The Everyman, Cork, led by Artistic Director Des Kennedy, will produce Making History by Brian Friel, playing 11–26 April.  This major revival marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of the legendary playwright. Making History opens officially on Tuesday 15 April, 2025. 
 
Making History is set in Ireland in 1591, when Gaelic Ireland is on the brink of extinction under English occupation.  The play follows the secret marriage of Hugh O'Neill and Mabel Bagenal, the international alliances formed, and the holy war that ensues. First performed by Field Day in 1988, Making History delves into events before and after The Battle of Kinsale in a gripping narrative of resistance, revolution and the remaking of heroes. Who gets to decide how history is recorded, told and retold? 
 
Kennedy says “I'm very excited to be directing my first production for The Everyman and it's an honour to be working on Friel's incredible play about one of the most important events in Irish history. It's so exciting that three members of our cast are returning to this play having previously appeared in the three most significant productions in this play's history: Denis Conway (Oubourous, 2007) Peter Gowen (Field Day 1989) and Chris McHallem (Peacock, 1999). Their collective wisdom, insight, and humour has been invaluable as we work on this beautiful play about history and legacy, in a production that coincides with the anniversary of one of our greatest playwrights. They are joined by an exceptional cast of Cork actors, as well as the phenomenal Aaron McCusker, who will be playing the central role of the great Hugh O'Neill.”   
 
For the first time, the role of Hugh O'Neill will be played by two actors at the different stages of his life: Aaron McCusker and Cork acting legend Denis Conway will share this iconic role. They will be joined by Liadán Dunlea, Martha Dunlea, Peter Gowen, Aron Hegarty, Chris McHallem, Stephen O'Leary and Ray Scannell. The Associate Director for the production will be Eadaoin Fox, joined by Stage Manager Aoife Byrne.