W. G. Fay's Irish National Dramatic Company

W. G. Fay's Irish National Dramatic Company was a precursor to the Abbey Theatre. It was founded towards the end of the 19th century by two Irish brothers, William and Frank Fay. William had worked for a time in the 1890s with a touring company in Ireland, Scotland and Wales while Frank was heavily involved in amateur dramatics in Dublin. After William returned, the brothers began to stage productions in halls around the city. Finally, they formed the company, which focused on the development of Irish acting talent.