Scholarly ambition

In my research into Tom Murphy, I'm developing a great appreciation for him as an artist. I just contacted his literary agent about getting a copy of one of his unpublished texts. We'll see if that comes through. If I can get it, I will be able to analyse how he was ahead of his time in terms of the use of non-native-Irish genres to tell his stories. (The Blue Macushla is a film noir on stage and The J. Arthur Maginnis Story was described as a burlesque historical romp.) I'm a little worried that I won't gain access, though, because neither play was particularly well-received from the articles/references I've found so far. Of course this only reinforces my drive to find out if it was because the script was problematic (which I doubt) or if it was question of what audiences were ready to see or if the staging/production/marketing was problematic. There is so much to be learned from when we miss the mark. And all his work that I have read leaves me inspired and excited. I'm already thinking about possible productions of his plays when I return to California.

I read in an interview that he lives in Rathgar. How funny would that be if I bumped into him! I wonder if I would recognize him. I don't imagine pictures do justice to his presence. He seems a striking figure.