Local director publishes play adapted for Shakespeare in the Park

Award-winning local actor and director, Damien Ryan, is now a published author with adaptations of Cyrano de Bergerac and Antigone published together by Currency Press.

Cyrano de Bergerac – a romantic comedy exploring a love triangle between Cyrano, a poet and soldier with an impossibly big nose, the beautiful Roxane and a young hero, Christian – was adapted by Ryan for the 2013 Shakespeare in the Park summer season, presented by Sport For Jove Theatre Co.

Cyrano de Bergerac quickly became a favourite with Shakespeare in the Park fans, and received excellent critical acclaim.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Councillor Yvonne Keane, met with Ryan to present him with a Mayoral Commendation Award for contribution to Culture and Community in The Hills.

“Damien is an extraordinarily talented individual who had the vision to create something really special for our community – The Sydney Hills Shakespeare in the Park – now in its ninth year,” Mayor Keane said.

“This annual event is a community favourite, where people immerse themselves in quality outdoor theatre as they picnic in the beautiful surrounds of Bella Vista Farm.

“Congratulations to Damien on his published works – it’s so exciting that a play first shown at Bella Vista Farm has been set in print. I can’t wait to see what Sport for Jove has in store for this year’s Summer Series.”

Cyrano de Bergerac went on to win the 2013 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Independent Production – and returned for a successful indoor season in 2017.

The second play, Greek tragedy Antigone, played earlier this year to audiences in Sydney and Canberra.