John O’Shea,Co-Founder of CorkS Everyman Theater,dies at 86
Tributes are pouring in for John O’Shea,a pivotal figure in Cork theatre history,following his death at age 86.He leaves behind a legacy of artistic vision adn dedication to the performing arts.
Born in Cork, O’Shea was a graduate of University College Cork (UCC).He spent his career as an educator, teaching at Coláiste Chríost Rí in Turners cross.
In 1963, O’Shea co-founded the Everyman Theatre Company with Dan Donovan and Seán Ó Tuama. this marked a turning point for theatre in the region.
The company began at the CCYMS/Little Theatre on Castle Street before moving to the Fr Mathew Hall from 1972 to 1987, which became known as the everyman Playhouse. This established a dedicated space for local productions.
O’shea’s ambition didn’t stop there. He led the effort to acquire the old Palace Cinema on MacCurtain Street, reopening it as the Everyman Palace theatre in 1992. this transformed a neglected building into a vibrant cultural hub.
As a director, O’Shea showcased a diverse range of talent. His productions included Robert Bolt’s , Eduardo De Philippo’s , Harold Pinter’s , and Anton Chekhov’s . These productions demonstrated his commitment to both classic and contemporary works.
Current Everyman chief executives des Kennedy and Brian Fenton expressed their sorrow, stating, “All of us here at The Everyman are deeply saddened by the passing of our founder, John O’Shea.”
They continued, “The idea of ‘The Everyman’ itself was John’s. Alongside Dan Donovan and Seán Ó Tuama, he united several amateur companies to create the Everyman Theatre Company in the 1960s. They ultimately purchased and revitalized the iconic,but deteriorating,Palace Cinema on MacCurtain St,now Cork’s cherished Everyman.”
O’Shea’s vision, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of theatre will continue to inspire generations of artists and audiences in Cork and beyond. His legacy ensures the Everyman will remain a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape.