Sonya Kelly's Druid Plays - (Methuen Drama Play Collections) (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"Sonya Kelly's rapier wit and intelligent awareness of the human condition, allied to consummate stagecraft skills, have made for what will probably be claimed in a few years' time as one of the hits of the decade" (Sunday Independent)

Sonya Kelly's Druid Plays is a tour-de-force that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling, offering a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of the human experience. This anthology, a remarkable compilation of Kelly's insightful and witty plays, showcases her distinct voice and unparalleled talent as a playwright.

Furniture (2018): in an age of rampant consumerism, is it easier to purchase symbols of identity rather than cultivate our own? Furniture is a humorous, insightful, touching and often philosophical look at who we are and how we'd like to be perceived.

Once Upon a Bridge (2021): A tale for a modern age. Early one morning on Putney Bridge, three strangers' lives collided for one fleeting second. Inspired by real events, Once Upon a Bridge weaves a tale about human triumph and frailty, about the power of destiny and chance, and why sometimes we choose to hate, and other times we choose to dance.

The Last Return (2022): Once upon a dreary night, five desperate strangers wait in line for a last minute ticket to the final performance of Oppenheimer's sold out smash hit. All they have to do is cross their fingers, be patient and wait their turn. But with more people waiting than tickets available, this is no time for patience, this is time for war. Who will triumph? Who will fail? And who will receive... The Last Return?

All three plays were commissioned by Ireland's Druid Theatre and have premiered on stages and in digital productions around the world winning Fringe First Awards, multiple Irish Times Theatre Awards and a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. Featuring a new introduction by Garry Hynes, Artistic Director of Druid, these plays are published together for the first time in one compelling collection.

Review Quotes

"A true work of genius" --Times

"Astonishingly original" --WhatsOnStage

"A shocking and very funny play" --Irish Times

About the Author

Sonya Kelly is an Irish writer and actor. She has performed with all the major Irish companies including the Gate Theatre, Druid Theatre and The Corn Exchange and Fishamble: the new play company. She is a cast member of RTE's hugely successful, sketch show, The Savage Eye. Her debut solo show, The Wheelchair on My Face: a look back at a myopic childhood, won a Scotsman Fringe First Award for new writing at the Edinburgh Fringe 2012. The show played 150 performances in over 50 venues and toured to Paris and New York where it received a Critic's Pick in the New York Times.