| Description | A new theatre building to house the Abbey theatre was opened on Abbey Street Dublin in 1966. The back stage area of the theatre had been burnt down in a fire in 1951. The new building was designed by Michael Scott and partners. The official opening of the new theatre coincided with the fiftieth aniversay of the 1916 rising and a plaque dedicated to members of the Abbey company who had taken part in the rising was unveiled at a special cermony a week after they offical opening of the theatre. Arthur Shields had hoped to attend both events, however he was unable to travel to Ireland due to ill health. His daughter Christine was however able to attend both events on his behalf. |