Gregory Augusta Irish playwright Date of Birth: 05.03.1852 Country: Ireland

1. Biography of Lady Gregory
2. Founder of the Irish Literary Theatre
3. Notable Works
4. Contributions to Irish Drama
5. Folklore Collector and Translator
6. Later Works and Death

Biography of Lady Gregory

Lady Gregory was an Irish playwright and a prominent figure in the Irish Literary Revival. She was born on March 15, 1852, in Roxborough, County Galway, Ireland. Her maiden name was Persse. In 1881, she married William Gregory and moved to Coole Park in the same county.

Founder of the Irish Literary Theatre

In 1898, Lady Gregory, along with Edward Martyn and W.B. Yeats, founded the Irish Literary Theatre, which later became the core of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. Lady Gregory and Yeats served as the artistic directors of the Abbey Theatre.

Notable Works

In addition to numerous translations, Lady Gregory wrote over thirty original plays, mostly one-act comedies. Some of her most famous works include "Spreading the News" (1904), "Hyacinth Halvey" (1906), "The Rising of the Moon" (1907), "The Workhouse Ward" (1908), and "The Story Brought by Brigit" (1924). Some of her plays were based on Irish folklore and mythology.

Contributions to Irish Drama

Lady Gregory chronicled her involvement in the development of Irish drama in her book "Our Irish Theatre" (1913). She also published two volumes of Irish mythological tales, "Cuchulain of Muirthemne" (1902) and "Gods and Fighting Men" (1904). Lady Gregory's journals were published posthumously in 1946.

Folklore Collector and Translator

Lady Gregory collected and translated Irish folklore, publishing collections such as "Cuchulain of Muirthemne" (1902) and "Gods and Fighting Men" (1904). She was known for her interest in preserving Irish cultural heritage.

Later Works and Death

In her later years, Lady Gregory turned to fantasy and escapism in her writing, with works like the fairy play "The Dragon" (1919). She passed away on May 22, 1932, in Gort, County Galway.