A hectic undertaking on the national stage

Writing and producing six plays in a day is the focus of 24 Hour Plays at the Abbey, says Pádraic Killeen

THE 24 Hour Plays project, which debuted in 2012, returns to the capital this weekend. A fundraiser for Dublin Youth Theatre, it will see an eclectic mix of Irish theatre talent — writers, directors, and actors — assemble on Saturday night to write and perform six new plays in the space of 24 hours. Against all the odds the shorts will be rehearsed and performed the following evening.

This year the ensemble includes marquee names of Irish theatre such as Garry Hynes, Arthur Riordan, Declan Conlon, and Pauline McLynn. There is also a contingent of actors from RTÉ series Love/Hate taking part, as well as Irish songstress Lisa Hannigan, who will be performing on the night. Notably, the event is taking place at the Abbey Theatre, having played at the Project Arts Centre in 2012.