Reading in French of Tom Murphy's Bailegangáire
translated by Isabelle Famchon

Bailegangáire (the town without laughter) is one of contemporary playwright Tom Murphy's most acclaimed works. This reading of the text by three French actresses of substantial reputation, Josephine de Rennes (Théâtre du Soleil), Catherine Matisse and Marie Paule Sirvent, is the precursor to a production of the play to be directed by Isabelle Famchon.

Bailegangáire (1985) revolves around a bed-ridden, archetypal Seanbhean Bhocht (a traditional personification of Ireland as a wronged old woman calling on her children for help).

Produced for the first time by the Druid Theatre Company, Galway in 1985, Bailegangáire received the Harvey's Best Play Award 1985-86 and the Sunday Tribune Theatre Award 1985-86.

The translation of Bailegangáire received the 'Bourse de la MAV' on the occasion of the Irish readings at the Odéon Theatre in 1991.