"A hugely entertaining, often laugh-out-loud funny...superb piece of theatre" -The Irish Times

Almost 120 years after J.M. Synge’s blistering masterpiece The Playboy of the Western World shocked audiences, Inis Nua—Philadelphia’s home for contemporary Irish plays—opens our 21st season with a bold adaptation by Nigerian playwright Bisi Adigun and Irish writing icon Roddy Doyle (The Commitments, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha). Set in modern Dublin, we reimagine Synge’s young rascal-hero Christy Mahon as Nigerian refugee Christopher Malomo, who arrives at a run-down pub with a wild tale he hopes will save his life. Christopher’s hilarious–and ultimately dangerous–encounters with colorful Dubliners showcase the power of Synge’s classic through a razor-sharp modern lens. 

Producers:

Producing Season Sponsors: Cynthia Tehan & Ed Dougherty
Presenting Season Sponsors: Marie O'Donnell & Bruce Satalof
Mainstage Series Sponsors: Jeanette & Jim Senderling
Executive Honorary Producers: Karen & Anthony Collins; Linda & David Glickstein Fund of Philadelphia Foundation
Associate Honorary Producers: The Abstract Company, Rebecca Bradbeer, Ed & Pat Coyle, Jake & Joe Marini

Behind the Scenes:

In advance of our production of The Playboy of the Western World, Dramaturgs Adaeze Nwoko and Meghan Winch interviewed Nigerian and Irish immigrants to uncover their experiences in leaving home to come to a new country. 

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We also talked with the cast of The Playboy of the Western World about their experiences around the production.

WATCH THE SERIES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL