User:KevinK211/sandbox

Legacy
Phyllis Ryan had an influential impact on Irish theatre. Commonly known for the founding of Orion and Gemini productions, Ryan premiered over one hundred plays from the 1950’s to 1980s. Some of Ryan’s most recognized work include 'The Field' by John B Keane, ‘The Poker Session’, and ‘The Au Pair Man’ by Hugh Leonard which were all given their first staged performance under Ryan’s management. . Alongside Norman Rodway, Gemini Productions staged plays and dramas such “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens and “The Change in Mane Fadden” by John B Keane in the Elbana Theatre, which essentially acted as "Gemini Production’s main house".

In her lifetime, Ryan’s productions earned her many awards in theatre. Some include the "honorary life membership of Irish Actors Equity", and "the Special Tribute award of The Irish Times for her lifelong dedication to theatre in 2002.” . Furthermore, Ryan’s premiere of ‘Da' by Hugh Leonard in Ireland “went on to become a massive international award-winning hit". These awards simply reiterate the impact Ryan had on Irish theatre, and the legacy she left for future theoretical producers and performers in Ireland.

Despite Ryan’s passing in 2011, her legacy is still prominent in Irish Theatre today. Through Ryan's productions and her work with Gemini, she restructured Irish theatre and inspired many theoretical producers. With Ryan's involvement with "virtually every major Irish playwright of the period". she is widely regarded as a founding member of Irish Theatre. Following on from Ryan’s passing, many associates paid tributes to her work. Jane Daly, the co-director of the Irish Theatre Institute explains how Ryan’s “independent spirit and extensive experience as a theatre artist and a producer influenced a generation of theatre makers”. Minister Deenihan,TD Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht expressed Ryan's positive influence on Irish Theatre by stating "She was a doyenne of Irish Theatre.. As a prolific actor, director and producer, she was a highly significant figure in Irish Theatre and much loved by all her peers.