Brian Friel

Date of Birth: January 9, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: October 2, 2015

Biography

Brian Friel was an acclaimed Irish dramatist, theatre director, and author, widely regarded as one of the greatest English-language dramatists. Born on January 9, 1929, in Killyclogher, near Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Friel was the son of a schoolteacher and a postmistress. He was educated at St Columb’s College in Derry and later at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he initially studied to become a priest but left before taking his vows. Friel began his literary career as a short story writer and published his first collection, “The Saucer of Larks,” in 1962. However, it was in the realm of theatre that Friel found his true calling. His breakthrough came with the 1964 play “Philadelphia, Here I Come!”, which earned him international acclaim. The play’s innovative use of two actors to portray the public and private personas of the main character, Gar O’Donnell, showcased Friel’s unique narrative techniques and deep understanding of human psychology. Over his career, Friel wrote more than 30 plays, including notable works like “Translations” (1980), which explores the cultural and linguistic tensions in 19th-century Ireland, and “Dancing at Lughnasa” (1990), a semi-autobiographical piece that received multiple awards, including the Tony Award for Best Play. Friel co-founded the Field Day Theatre Company in 1980 with actor Stephen Rea, further cementing his influence in Irish theatre. Friel’s work was often characterized by its exploration of themes such as identity, language, memory, and the complexities of human relationships. He received numerous accolades, including the Laurence Olivier Award, the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Irish Theatre Awards. Brian Friel passed away on October 2, 2015, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of drama and literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Brian Friel

1. Brian Friel was awarded the Freedom of the City of Derry in 2006, an honor given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the city.

2. His play “Translations” has been translated into multiple languages and is studied in literature and drama courses worldwide.

3. Friel was a member of Aosdána, an affiliation of creative artists in Ireland, and served as its Saoi, the highest honor, from 1987 onwards.

4. He received honorary doctorates from several universities, including Trinity College Dublin and the National University of Ireland.

5. “Dancing at Lughnasa” was adapted into a film in 1998, starring Meryl Streep, which brought his work to a broader international audience.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Brian Friel

1. “It is not the literal past, the ‘facts’ of history, that shape us, but images of the past embodied in language.”

2. “The end of language is silence.”

3. “To remember everything is a form of madness.”

4. “Our only need is to be able to forget. Forgetting is the great secret of strong and creative lives.”

5. “Dancing as if language no longer existed because words were no longer necessary.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Brian Friel’s estimated net worth was around $5 million, derived from his successful plays, film adaptations, and various literary awards.

Children

Brian Friel had five children with his wife, Anne Morrison Friel. They are Mary, Judy, Sally, Paddy, and David. Mary and Judy have both followed in their father’s footsteps, working in the field of the arts.