Born in Dundalk , he was educated at the College of Art in Dublin , worked as a customs officer 1945 – 47 , and then at the Abbey Theatre as a producer of Irish language plays , subsequently becoming Artistic Adviser to the Board in 1966 , then Artistic Director 1972 – 79 and 1984 – 85 . His work as an innovative stage director was crucial in modernizing the Abbey style after its re-opening in 1966 . He directed '' Borstal Boy '' , which after its transfer to New York , won the Tony Award for Best Play and earned him a nomination for Best Direction of a Play at the 24th Tony Awards in 1970
24th Tony Awards
24th Tony Awards
Tómas Mac Anna