Jez Butterworth’s The Ferryman debuts on Broadway this October, following unanimous, five-star critical acclaim and a year-long run in London’s West End

Northern Ireland, 1981. The Carney farmhouse is a hive of activity with preparations for the annual harvest. A day of hard work on the land and a traditional night of feasting and celebrations lie ahead. But this year they will be interrupted by a visitor.

This “fiercely gripping play” (Ben Brantley, The New York Times) is directed by Academy® and Tony Award® winner Sam Mendes and premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, where it became the fastest-selling show in the theatre’s history.

The prologue sets the tone that will quietly pervade the lengthy work “The Ferryman,” the new masterful work by Jez Butterworth, (“Jerusalem”):  When a dead body is discovered in a bog, it is identified as that of Seamus Carney, who disappeared ten years earlier.  Although there had been purported sightings of him over the years, no one knew whether he was still alive. The surprise visit of a powerful IRA leader known only as Muldoon suggests something even more sinister. Along with two IRA thugs, Muldoon comes with honeyed tones to blackmail the local priest.  He wants assurances that Seamus’s brother Quinn Carney (Paddy Considine) won’t blame the IRA for Seamus’ death. Quinn has a great deal of guilt at Seamus’ death since he was the one who convinced his brother to join the IRA.   Although we never quite learn why Seamus was killed, we anticipate the fallout. Quinn Carney’s family is a large and boisterous brood consisting of his seven children and wife Mary as well as an elderly uncle and two peculiar aunts.  His sister-in-law Caitlin and her 14-year-old son live there as well.  Any gathering feels festive, and since it’s harvest, it’s even more likely that someone will put on …Read more