‘Forgotten genius’ of theatre

THE work of a long-forgotten Kerry playwright, who has been described as a forerunner of John B Keane and Bryan MacMahon, could be in for a revival following publication of his biography.

George Fitzmaurice, who hailed from the Listowel area, had his plays performed in the Abbey Theatre and was known for his ability to reflect the rural Ireland of his day.

The story of his life, written by UCC graduate Fiona Brennan, 36, and published by Carysfort Press, was launched by north Kerry poet Gabriel Fitzmaurice (no relation of the playwright) at the weekend.

“He is the forgotten genius of the Irish theatre. This book is a major step towards his revival as a playwright of the first order,” Mr Fitzmaurice said.

Ms Brennan, a native of Killorglin, Co Kerry, but living in Co Cork, spent five years researching the dramatist’s life. The result is George Fitzmaurice - Wild in His Own Way.

“It’s only a few years ago since I first came across a reference to George Fitzmaurice in a literary guide. On learning more about him, I just couldn’t believe how I hadn’t heard of him long before that,” she said.

Although his plays had been long out of print, she found them in Killarney and Tralee public libraries.

“I was really fascinated by the first of his plays that I read,” she said.