It was a roll call of some of the best faces in Irish theatre as actors, playwrights, writers, directors and well-wishers gathered for the unveiling of a work of art to commemorate abbeyonehundred, writes Fiona Tyrrell
"If there is anything difficult going on in your life the best thing is to be surrounded by your friends," declared Eithne Healy, chairman of the Abbey Theatre, referring to the previous night's egm, which assessed the future of the national theatre.
Putting recent events behind him, artistic director Ben Barnes said: "Art is back at the centre of the stage and we should all be determined that this is where it stays".
An Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, unveiled the 13 ft by 7 ft triptych, which was commissioned by abbeyonehundred chairman John McColgan and his wife, Moya Doherty. The work, by Dublin artist James Hanley, commemorates one of the Abbey's signature plays, The Playboy of the Western World. It was a "labour of love", according to James Hanley, and is based on the three themes of authorship, acting and audience.
After the ceremony, guests were treated to a performance of The Playboy of the Western World prior to its American tour.
Christine Shiels, daughter of Arthur Shiels, the first actor to play the Playboy, flew in from California to attend the event. Following a long Abbey tradition, Robin Murray Brown, the great-great grandson of Lady Gregory, delivered barm brack to the cast after the show.
Others attending included the son of W.B. Yeats, Senator Michael Yeats, with his wife Gráinne and daughter Sheila; the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue and Senator Mary O'Rourke.