News

'Insightful humanist' Friel was 'Ireland's Chekhov'

Brian Friel pictured in the Brian Friel Centre for Theatre Research at Queen's University Belfast. Picture by Brian Morrison.
Brian Friel pictured in the Brian Friel Centre for Theatre Research at Queen's University Belfast. Picture by Brian Morrison. Brian Friel pictured in the Brian Friel Centre for Theatre Research at Queen's University Belfast. Picture by Brian Morrison.

BRIAN Friel was a "tender dramatist" and a "lovely man", Oscar-winner Meryl Streep said.

Friel won three Tony Awards in 1992 for his play Dancing at Lughnasa, which was was later made into a film starring Streep.

"We've lost a tender dramatist, an insightful humanist and a lovely man," the actor said.

"Friel introduced the people of Donegal to us as if we were all members of his family and community.

"We couldn't help but recognize the people we loved in our own towns and lives, the people who make us laugh and make us furious."

Ballymena-born Hollywood actor Liam Neeson, who performed in five of Friel's plays during his early career, said his plays described the Irish character.

"It was a joy to say his words and to feel secure in the hands of a master craftsman," he said.

"Brian was Ireland's Chekhov.

"All his plays touched on the parochial and the universal.

"Their themes described the complexities of the Irish character with enormous wit, grace and love.

"I hope he and Heaney are having a 'wee one' together now and sharing a giggle."

Actor John Hurt tweeted: "Ireland has lost a great playwright, acerbic and brilliant wit and a great humanitarian. Vive Brian Friel! With my love."

Actor Ian McKellen said he was thrilled to meet Friel at Ulster University's Magee campus in Derry in 2013.

He tweeted: "Brian Friel's wondrous plays outlive him. I shall always be glad I could thank him for them, in Derry two years back."