Fiona Shaw

Internationally renowned Irish actress Fiona Shaw will be visiting the University’s Magee campus next week as part of the Bank of Ireland Leading Ladies series.

Equally acclaimed for her performances on stage and on screen, Fiona famously played the male lead in a production of Richard II and has most recently appeared in the Harry Potter movies as Aunt Petunia.

During her visit Fiona will work with UU drama students in a two-hour master class at the Foyle Arts Building and will later present a public lecture in the Great Hall, featuring some of her favourite writing from Shakespearian times to the present day.

Born in Cork, Fiona studied philosophy before moving to London to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA). During the 1980s she won critical acclaim for her work at the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. She also has an eclectic array of film credits including My Left Foot, Three Men and a Little Lady, Jane Eyre and most recently Harry Potter. She received an honorary degree from the University of Ulster in 2004 in recognition of her services to theatre and theatre education.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts at UU, Professor Bob Welch, said: “Fiona is one of the most thoughtful, challenging and exhilarating performers of her generation and we are absolutely delighted that she is able to take part in our Leading Ladies Series and can share some of her experience and knowledge with our own students and the wider community.”

Eugene Kearney, Senior Manager at Bank of Ireland, Derry, said:  “Bank of Ireland has a long history of supporting education and has had an excellent relationship with the University of Ulster for many years. In supporting events like these we hope we are encouraging talent which will benefit both individual development but in the long-term be returned to the local community.”

The Bank of Ireland Leading Ladies series was launched in February 2005. The programme brings some of theatre’s leading female practitioners to the University to present workshops and master classes to help support students in their professional and artistic development.

A limited number of seats are available for Fiona Shaw’s illustrated lecture – From Shakespeare to China - which will take place in the Great Hall, Magee campus at 7.30pm on Tuesday 6 December.  Please contact the Cultural Development Office on: 028 7137 5658 for availability.

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter