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The Abbey Theatre opens

The Irish National Theatre Society made its bow to an expectant public at the newly- equipped theatre in Abbey Street, Dublin, last night. Those who came, either by invitation or by the simple British method of paying at the door, were much impressed and delighted by the change wrought externally and internally on the old theatre premises . . .

The leaders in the Irish Literary Revival Movement were present in strong force, prominent among them being Mr W.B. Yeats, Mr Stephen Gwynn, Mr Edward Martyn and Mr George Russell. Lady Gregory, who had a play for presentation, was, it was explained, unable to attend but Miss Horniman to whose generosity the Society owes the existnence of the building, was prominent among the ladies present. Otherwise the audience was fairly representative of literary and artistic culture and the occasion was, as an experiment, and possibly as an epoch-marker invested with unique interest . . .

Three one-act plays were performed, two by Mr W.B. Yeats and one by Lady Gregory. The first piece . . . On Baile's Strand by Mr Yeats [ was] a first production, so it calls for more than a passing mention. The author has dipped once more into that realm which is paradise to him, the legendary period of Cuchulainn . . . already dignified in fragmentary episode, in poetry and in poetic prose . . . Mr Yeats has drawn his episode from that mystical past and has shaped it fairly well within lines of dramatic action . . . The lines do not always carry us away with the assurance of a masterpiece, but there are many passages of decided literary finish . . .

At one point the audience suspected a not very agreeable double entendre, but the author may presumably be excused from any such poor intention . . .

Having got a liberal instalment of serious drama, the adudience were in a mood to appreciate a sprightly bit of comedy. Lady Gregory's little play Spreading the News supplied that need most soothingly. This play was very favourably received.

Mr W.G. Fay, who came before the curtain at the close, said that the authoress, Lady Gregory, was not able to be present but they would convey to her the hearty appreciation of the audience. Thus was a most interesting event brought to a close.

From Wed, December 28th, 1904