Teresa Deevy

Teresa Deevy sitting with book open on lap.tiff

Teresa Deevy
Born	Teresa Deevy 21 January 1894 Waterford, Ireland
Died	19 January 1963 Waterford, Ireland
Occupation	Playwright, writer
Language	English
Nationality	Irish
Alma mater	University College Dublin
Notable works	Katie Roche, The King of Spain's Daughter

Teresa Deevy (21 January 1894 – 19 January 1963) was an Irish playwright and writer, known for her works that often explored the roles and lives of women in early 20th-century Ireland. She was a prominent figure in the Abbey Theatre, where many of her plays were performed.

Early Life

Teresa Deevy was born in Waterford, Ireland, the youngest of thirteen children. She attended the University College Dublin where she initially studied to become a teacher. However, she lost her hearing due to Ménière's disease and subsequently turned her focus to writing.

Career

Deevy's career as a playwright began in earnest when she joined the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. Her first major success came with the play The King of Spain's Daughter in 1936. This was followed by other notable works such as Katie Roche (1936) and Wife to James Whelan (1937). Her plays often dealt with themes of female autonomy and the societal expectations placed on women.

Notable Works

• The King of Spain's Daughter (1936)
• Katie Roche (1936)
• Wife to James Whelan (1937)
• Temporal Powers (1932)
• The Wild Goose (1936)

Later Life and Legacy

In her later years, Deevy continued to write, including works for radio drama. Despite her hearing impairment, she remained an active and influential figure in Irish theatre. Teresa Deevy passed away in 1963 in her hometown of Waterford.

Her contributions to Irish literature and drama have been recognized posthumously, and her works continue to be studied and performed.

See Also

• Abbey Theatre
• Irish literature
• Women in theatre