Page "W. B. Yeats" Paragraph 28

The collective survived for about two years but was not successful.

Working with two Irish brothers with theatrical experience, William and Frank Fay, Yeats's unpaid yet independently wealthy secretary Annie Horniman, and the leading West End actress Florence Farr, the group established the Irish National Theatre Society.

Along with Synge, they acquired property in Dublin and on 27 December 1904 opened the Abbey Theatre.

Yeats's play Cathleen Ní Houlihan and Lady Gregory's Spreading the News were featured on the opening night.

Yeats remained involved with the Abbey until his death, both as a member of the board and a prolific playwright.

In 1902, he helped set up the Dun Emer Press to publish work by writers associated with the Revival.

This became the Cuala Press in 1904, and inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement, sought to " find work for Irish hands in the making of beautiful things.

" From then until its closure in 1946, the press — which was run by the poet's sisters — produced over 70 titles ; 48 of them books by Yeats himself.