Sir, - As a visitor to your country and an admirer of your theatrical tradition, I am amazed to read of plans to move the Abbey Theatre from its present site. This would represent the abandonment of yet another historical theatrical premises in Dublin's city centre. But what is more disturbing is that the move would deprive Dubliners and visitors of easy access to Ireland's National Theatre.
On Abbey Street, the theatre is within minutes' walk of public transport serving all sides of the city. The proposed site, however, can only be reached easily by car or by those who can use the DART. For the rest of the public, it would be out of bounds.
By all means, let the present board of the Abbey establish an elitist theatre, complete with piazza and waterfront, on Misery Hill. But it will not be a National Theatre and certainly not the Abbey founded by Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats. - Yours, etc.,
Marc Martinez, Heytesbury Street, Dublin 8.