This fully illustrated and authorised history marks fifty years of one of Ireland's most ground-breaking and successful theatrical ensembles. Founded in 1975, Druid is a touring theatre company, anchored in the West of Ireland and looking to the world.

Druid began as a bold idea: to create Ireland's first professional theatre company outside of Dublin. There were few resources with which to achieve such an undertaking in the West of Ireland in 1975. Through sheer dedication, and with the support of the Galway community, founders Garry Hynes, Marie Mullen and Mick Lally – alongside a protean ensemble of actors, crew and supporters – made this bold idea a reality. That reality has since become an international success story of extraordinary dimensions.

In this comprehensive history of the company, Patrick Lonergan weaves together decades of personal stories, archival material, anecdotes, memories and performances into a fascinating and illuminating portrait of one of the most vital institutions in Ireland's theatrical landscape.



Patrick Lonergan is the Professor of Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Galway. He has written many books on Irish theatre history, including Theatre and Globalization: Irish Drama During the Celtic Tiger Era and Irish Drama and Theatre Since 1950.



'The role of Druid … in kick-starting so many associated careers, is immense.'



'Quite a beautiful book.'



'Top of the festive wish list.'



'One of the top three books of the year … A lot of people are going to see this one under the Christmas tree.'



Lavish and detailed … A commendable celebration.