In recognition of the life and work of Father Aengus Finucane, The Irish Repertory Theater (IRT) will donate all proceeds from the Dec. 1 performance of Eugene O'Neill's "The Emperor Jones"-as well as all staff and cast salaries-to Concern Worldwide US, the international humanitarian agency co-founded by the priest in the late 60s.
Thrust into humanitarian work at the outbreak of the Biafran conflict in 1968, when he served as a missionary in Nigeria, Finucane would spend the next 30 years in serv
Ice To the world's very poorest men, women and children. He helped communities cope with war, natural disasters, and famines-in Bangladesh, following the country's war of independence from Pakistan; in Cambodia, during the reign of the Khmer Rouge; and Uganda, in the aftermath of the rule of Idi Amin. Finucane died in Dublin Oct. 6, at age 77.
Ben Brantley, theater critic for The New York Times, hailed "The Emperor Jones" as a "magical production." The play chronicles the slow descent into madness and dementia of a grand personage whose losing battle with inner demons ultimately makes him an everyman. "O'Neill confronts us with our inner darkness," said
Ciaran O'Reilly, the play's producing director and IRT co-founder, "while Aengus' life offers proof of man's tremendous power to do good in the face of it."
"We wanted to make a gesture befitting this incredible man who changed so many lives," said
Charlotte Moore, artistic director and IRT co-founder. "Like O'Neill and his lead character, Aengus was larger than life. His legacy, too, will endure," she said.
The public is invited to call 212 727 2737 to purchase tickets for the Dec. 1 performance, or visit the theatre box office at 132 W. 22nd St. Tickets are $100.
Concern works in 28 of the world's poorest countries, including 17 sub-Saharan African nations, and reaches some 25 million people. The organization's goal is the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty and the reduction of suffering. The organization's programs focus on emergency relief and long-term development work in the areas of health, HIV and AIDS, livelihoods and education.
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