O'Rowe Wins Fringe First

The Culture Ireland web site reports that the Abbey Theatre's production of Terminus, written by Irish playwright Mark O'Rowe, has won a prestigious Scotsman Fringe First Award.

The Fringe First Awards, selected by The Scotsman's team of veteran theatre critics, are given to outstanding new work appearing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and are highly coveted among the thousands of new plays produced at the festival. This UK premiere of Terminus has been generously supported by Culture Ireland.

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen TD, congratulated Ireland's national theatre and playwright, O'Rowe, on their award and said, "This award for the production of Terminus by the Abbey Theatre, following Druid Theatre's award last week, is a validation of the continuing strength of Irish theatre and an important international recognition of the talent of our young Irish playwrights".

Also commending the Abbey, the Chief Executive of Culture Ireland, Eugene Downes, claimed, "Winning two Fringe Firsts, in the intense competition of Edinburgh, affirms Irish theatre's position as a world leader. It's a marvelous achievement for Mark O'Rowe, The Abbey, and a great cast and creative team."

Terminus runs at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh until Saturday 23 August.