Programme for Irish Pantomime at the Abbey Theatre: “Muireann agus an Prionnsa”, December 1945
Ernest Blythe (1889–1975), was by turns a revolutionary, politician, government minister, managing director of the Abbey Theatre, and Irish-language revivalist. He played several very separate roles in the course of his adult life. The one continuous link over those years was his total commitment to promoting the revival of the Irish language as the language of everyday life.
Following his political career, he found employment as Secretary of Clondalkin Paper Mills from 1937 to 1941. In 1941 he commenced what would be his longest period of continuous employment with a single employer, becoming Managing Director of the Abbey Theatre, a position he held until 1967. During his time as director he actively promoted Irish-language plays and pantomimes.
For more information see Dictionary of Irish Biography.
The papers of Ernest Blythe held in UCD Archives consist of material relating to Blythe's political and ministerial career, his activities as Secretary to Clondalkin Paper Mills, Managing Director of the Abbey Theatre, and member of the R.T.E. Authority, as well as personal affairs.
Material relating to Blythe’s time as Managing Director of the Abbey Theatre include Articles of Association; minutes; reports; accounts; casts for plays; Architect's plans for the new theatre building; Programmes for Ordinary performances, Special performances and Irish pantomimes.
To put us in the festive mood is the programme below for the Irish Pantomime “Muireann agus an Prionnsa”, performed on St. Stephen’s Day 1945 and the evenings following.
UCDA P24/850 Irish Pantomime Programmes 1945-46: “Muireann agus an Prionnsa”, December 1945
