My friend’s humanity, connection with his audience and masterly writing made him unique

In 1969 I heard for the first time the irreverent voice, the marvellous mimicry, of the man behind the plays

For the late playwright the past and our images of it were slippery and treacherous. Truth lay not in public facts but in private fictions

The late playwright did not like to be interviewed, and eventually he gave it up altogether. But he did give this rare interview to the drama critic of ‘In Dublin’ magazine in 1982

Whether it comes as with a bang or a whimper, the ending of an act of theatre gives it shape and meaning. At best, it leaves us wanting more.