Penelope
<DIV><p>"One of the most dazzling wordsmiths of contemporary theater, and one who has a direct conduit to our wanting hearts."—<I>Guardian</I></p><p>"Superbly talented."—Paul Muldoon, <I>The Times Literary Supplement</I></p><p>"A writer who deserves to be better known in this country."—<I>The New York Times</I></p><p>From the author of <I>The Walworth Farce</I> and <I>The New Electric Ballroom</I>—works whose joint publication was named one of the best books of 2009 by <I>The Times Literary Supplement</I>—comes an adaptation of Homer's <I>Odyssey</I>, as only Enda Walsh could do it. Due to be presented at the Galway Arts Festival by the Druid Theater Company, which launched many of Walsh's other works, <I>Penelope</I> focuses not on the titular character awaiting her husband Odysseus' return, but on her gaggle of suitors. The setting is the bottom of a drained swimming pool. The costuming involves Speedos. And topics of conversation include bickering over sausages for the BBQ.</p><p><B>Enda Walsh</B> has been recognized by numerous awards for his plays, which include <I>The Walworth Farce</I>, <I>The New Electric Ballroom</I>, <I>Disco Pigs</I>, <I>Bedbound</I>, <I>Small Things</I>, <I>Chatroom</I>, and the award-winning screenplay for <I>Hunger</I>. His work has been translated into more than twenty languages.</p></DIV>