Duffin Stars as Brendan Behan in Off-Bway's 'Irish Rebel'

The Irish Arts Center will present Shay Duffin as the legendary Irish dramatist in Brendan Behan: Confessions of an Irish Rebel. The one-man theatrical presentation begins previews on Wednesday, October 11, and opens on Wednesday, October 18, in the Center's theater at 553 West 51st Street in Manhattan. It will run through November 5.
 
"Shay Duffin as Brendan Behan: Confessions of an Irish Rebel offers a unique look at Irish history and culture through the life experiences of author and playwright Brendan Behan. It is a winner of the LA Drama Critics Award, two Drama Logue Awards and the Helen Hayes Award. Duffin's portrayal brings Behan to life with wonderful humor and affection," as the show is described in press notes.
 
Born in Dublin (1923), Behan was part of a working class family. His father was active in the Irish War of Independence. His uncle Peadar Kearney wrote the Irish National Anthem. His mother was also politically active all her life. Behan's own activities contributed to his novel, The Borstal Boy, as well as his plays The Quare Fellow, The Big House and The Hostage.

Duffin's career spans several decades in stage and film throughout the US and Canada. He has sung with the Irish Rovers, toured in Finian's Rainbow and Brigadoon, and recorded three top-selling albums for RCA Records. 
 
Tickets are $45 ($35 for members) and $30 for previews.
 
For advance tickets, call Smarttix at 212-868-4444 or order online at www.smarttix.com.