Shaw, Fiona (1958– )

Irish stage actor, known for her authoritative portrayal of tragic heroines. Her notable roles include the lead in Electra and Hedda Gabler. She has performed at the National Theatre in London and with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

Shaw was born and brought up in Cork, and took a degree in philosophy before embarking on drama training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. After making her debut in 1982, she was noticed by director Peter Wood and played Julia in his production of The Rivals at the National Theatre in 1983. At the RSC, she has appeared as Madame de Volanges in Christopher Hampton's stage adaptation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1985, and Katharina in The Taming of the Shrew 1987. A frequent collaborator with the director Deborah Warner, Shaw was acclaimed for her portrayal of King Richard in Warner's groundbreaking production of Richard II in 1995.