December 12, 2017: Glen Hansard performing at a protest against Ireland's homeless situation outside the Dáil in Dublin.RollingNews.ie
Glen Hansard's final project before his tragic death is set to make its world premiere next year.
The Oscar winner died in a horror motorcycle crash in the early hours of July 29 near the Strawberry Beds in Lucan in Dublin, plunging the world of showbiz into mourning.
Now the 56-year-old's final project has been revealed.
A new stage adaptation of "Waking Ned Devine," featuring music and lyrics by the father-of-one and his ex and fellow musician Markéta Irglová, will open at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast in February 2027.
It is the pair’s first musical collaboration since "Once," whose song "Falling Slowly" earned them the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008.
Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. (RollingNews.ie)
Markéta said carrying forward the work they had begun together felt like "both a privilege and a blessing."
She told Lyric Theatre: "I am thrilled by the work ahead on Waking Ned Devine and honoured to be continuing this journey with the support of the Lyric.
"Carrying forward the creative work that Glen and I began together feels like both a privilege and a blessing.
"This is a story full of heart, humour and humanity, and I am excited to bring its next chapter to life through song while celebrating the spirit that has made it so beloved."
"Waking Ned Devine" is based on the 1998 film that follows the residents of a small Irish village after one of them wins a fortune on the lottery.
When an unexpected complication threatens the windfall, Ned’s friends and neighbours hatch a plan to ensure the money can be shared among the community.
The new musical will be directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, who said Glen was delighted when he heard that the production would begin in Belfast.
He said: "Musicals are a long time in the making. Markéta and Glen built a terrific musical score and David Hein and I have worked closely to ensure that the story is touching, theatrical and, most importantly, fun.
"I know Glen was so happy that our show was starting its journey in Belfast, and all I hope for now is that we do him proud."
Tickets will go on sale at the end of September at LyricTheatre.co.uk.
*This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.