element of the programme. Brendan Smith continued as Director until 1983 when he was succeeded by Lewis Clohessy (1984–89), Tony Ó Dálaigh (1990–99), Fergus Linehan (2000–04) and Don Shipley (2005–06). Loughlin Deegan (2007–2011) ran the festival for five years. Willie White took over as festival director in September 2011. In 2020, the festival produced a re-imagined programme, after being forced to cancel most of the performances due to the Irish government's ban on theatre performances to protect against the spread of Covid-19. Theatre companies Dead Centre and Anu Productions created live-streamed work, and for audiences to watch at home, and the Abbey Theatre created an outdoor promenade performance. Staff Willie White – Artistic Director and chief executive Stephen McManus – Director of Programme & Production Maria Fleming- General Manager Richie O'Sullivan- Festival Administrator Derval Mellett- Marketing and Development Manager Sponsors Ulster Bank became the title sponsor of the festival in 2007 initially as part of a three-year deal, extended to five years, concluding in 2011 with the end of the festival's 54th season. The festival is grant aided by The Arts Council, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin City Council, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. References External links Theatre festivals in Ireland Theatre in the Republic of Ireland Festivals established in 1957 1957 establishments in Ireland Annual events in the Republic of Ireland Autumn events in the Republic of Ireland