Theatre Forum is now Performing Arts Forum
Organiser: Irish Theatre Institute
Date: 21 September 2025
Time: 5pm
Venue: Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM)
Price: €5

Directed by Mark O’Rowe

Following our electrifying first Table Read in June, Irish Theatre Institute is delighted to invite you to the second in this exciting new series.

DownstateBruce Norris’s provocative and urgent play, directed by Mark O’Rowe, will take place on Sunday, 21 September at 5.00PM at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM).

Set in a group home for convicted sex offenders, Downstate confronts the uncomfortable complexities of harm, justice, and accountability in modern America. With sharp dialogue and fearless storytelling, it’s a bold and necessary conversation brought to the table.

Join us for a powerful script-in-hand reading with an outstanding ensemble of Irish actors, followed by a reception where the audience and artists can share their thoughts and reflections.

Cast Members:

Ebby O’Toole Acheampong as Effie

Lisa Dwyer Hogg as Em

Mark Huberman as Andy

Colleen Keogh as Ivy

Michael Lumen as Felix

Patrick Martins as Gio

Daniel Reardon as Fred

Michael Yare as Dee

Age Suitability: 18+

Content Warning: This reading contains discussions and sometimes graphic descriptions of child abuse and sexual assault. References to suicide and violence.

Book your ticket for Downstate

What is Table Read?  

Table Read, curated by Shane O’Reilly, is a new actor-focused initiative by Irish Theatre Institute that offers a platform for creative risk-taking, discovery, and conversation. It centres the actor’s voice and brings together artists and audiences to explore powerful contemporary work in a shared, collaborative space.

Come along, be part of the room, and help shape the conversation.

Curated by Shane O’Reilly, Table Read is developed and managed by the Irish Theatre Institute.