Everyman Palace Theatre takes on a new role in 2008 as a book publisher. Our first title, published in association with The Collins Press, is: DAN DONOVAN An Everyman’s Life   by Vera Ryan Priced at €16.95, DAN DONOVAN An Everyman’s Life is available from the Everman Box Office, and from all good book stores.

This book celebrates the life and career of Corkman and Everyman co-founder Dan Donovan, whose extraordinary life story is a cultural history of Cork in the 20th Century. An oral memoir, Vera Ryan’s interviews bring readers into Dan’s diverse world as actor, director, teacher, broadcaster and major player in Cork’s artistic life. Dan was involved from the beginning in all of the major cultural initiatives in his native city and the book is a fascinating journey through the early days of the Cork Film Festival with his great friend Der Breen, the Choral Festival, the founding of the Southern Theatre Group with James N. Healy and the first productions of the work of John B. Keane, through to the pioneering work of the Everyman Theatre and the restoration of the Palace Theatre on MacCurtain Street. 

At age six Dan began what was a lifelong association with Presentation College as student, teacher and vice principal and his vivid memories of this institution have rich appeal. Memories of University College Cork during the war, being taught by Daniel Corkery and encouraged by Aloys Fleischmann are superb.  Core chapters on acting in and directing the work of Sean O Tuama and John B Keane are vital for anyone interested in Irish theatre. Epic events like the burning of the Opera House in 1955 are recalled. Illustrated with over 50 photographs this evocative book brings to life a period in Cork of rich creative energy.