The Dublin Theatre Festival has appointed its first nonIrish director, Canadian Don Shipley.
He takes over later this year when current director Fergus Linehan moves to Australia and a similar post with the Sydney Arts Festival. Shipley has directed at major theatres across Canada and was artistic associate of the Stratford Festival in Ontario, as well as being the founding artistic director of the Belfry Theatre in Victoria, British Columbia. He is currently artistic director of the Du Maurier World Stage Festival in Toronto and a former general manager of Harbourfront Centre's World Stage in the city.
The director has been described by the Dublin Theatre Festival chairman Peter Crowley, as "the ideal candidate for the position".
He added: "He has a wealth of experience in exciting international theatre and we are looking forward very much to working with him." This year's Dublin festival, from September 27 October 9, will mark the final curtain for Linehan after a four-year stint as director.
Meanwhile, in a further strengthening of the artistic links between Ireland and Canada, a production of Brian Friel's Translations is being directed in Toronto by the Abbey's artistic director, Ben Barnes.
All I can say is the American and English theater world better beware.
