Michael Colgan (director)

Michael Colgan (born 1946, Dublin, Ireland; died 2021) was an influential Irish theatre director and producer. He served as the Artistic Director of the Gate Theatre in Dublin from 1983 until his retirement in 2016. During his tenure, Colgan transformed the Gate into a leading international theatre known for its innovative stagings of classic plays and its commitment to new writing. He significantly raised the theatre's profile through international tours and collaborations, and was instrumental in securing substantial funding for the theatre's ongoing operations and infrastructure development.

Colgan's directing credits at the Gate include works by Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Eugene O'Neill, and Oscar Wilde. He was particularly noted for his productions of Beckett's plays, and his interpretation of Beckett’s work was highly regarded. He also produced numerous works by Irish playwrights. Colgan was a significant figure in Irish cultural life, recognized for his contribution to the development of Irish theatre on both a national and international scale. He was also a recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Following his retirement from the Gate, he remained a prominent voice in the Irish arts community.