Sheridan, Peter (1952– )

Irish playwright and director, born in Dublin. His plays include The Liberty Suit, performed at the Abbey Theatre Festival of 1977, and Emigrants (1978), focusing on Irish emigration to England in the 19th century. Emigrants opened at the Edinburgh Theatre Festival and was successfully produced both in Dublin and at the Royal Court Theatre, London. As director of the Project Arts Centre in Dublin, Sheridan and his brother Jim (1949– ) hoped to use drama as a weapon for improving social conditions. He received the Rooney Prize in 1978. The Abbey Theatre produced his adaptation of All the Days in 1980.

Sheridan's first play, Paint it Black, was produced by the Project Arts Centre, Dublin, in 1971.