When I first saw this play some eleven years ago now, I was immediately drawn to its wild earthy poetic language, the exciting blend of storytelling, ballad and dance and the haunting music of Paddy Cunneen. It all made for one of those remarkable and exhilarating experiences in the theatre.

At that time Cheek By Jowl were at their most prolific and had just bowled over audiences with their fabulous Fuente Ovejuna at the National. I vowed then, that one day, I would direct Lady Betty at The Questors and although it has been a long journey, that day has now come. It is also fitting that the Studio Theatre, also known as the Stanislavsky Room, is the venue for this production because Declan used to attend Young Questors acting classes here many years ago.

Even more co-incidentally, John Turner and I used to teach him in this very room. So the wheel has come full circle and I am now privileged to direct Declan's inspired Lady Betty.So why direct a play that was the product of a particular group working closely in a workshop style to create an inimitable theatrical event? Well for one thing the play stands alone as a beautiful piece of poetic writing and is full of startling imagery. Also the text is devoid of any stage directions; it is a blank canvas. For that reason it is entirely possible to create a different theatrical experience from the same script. The group of actors who have worked with me on this show have all contributed enormously towards the end result. Their considerable input is what has helped shaped my vision for this show and I am grateful for their extreme dedication and commitment. It has been a tough show to rehearse requiring huge amounts of energy and stamina.

We have based our production on a concept that is fundamentally different from Cheek By Jowl's, but certain similarities in the style have, understandably, remained. The Lady Betty story is basically true, although a certain amount of myth has evolved around that truth. Declan Donnellan has created a wonderful narrative that compiles around the facts a poetic drama of ghosts and visions, songs and tirades, dancing and political tension. There is no doubt that Betty has become a legend to this day in Ireland and the retelling of her story makes for a powerful and dramatic experience.