Canadian author Margaret Atwood has been forced to postpone her appearance at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this Sunday after she contracted Covid-19.
The acclaimed writer of The Handmaid’s Tale was due to speak at An Evening With Margaret Atwood, Laurie Anderson, and Mary Robinson but following medical advice, she is unable to travel to Dublin.
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In a statement issued on Friday, 84-year-old Atwood said, “I’m so sorry to have to tell you that I am no longer able to be in Ireland this weekend.
“I was about to get my flight to Ireland when I tested positive for Covid. I am devastated to have to miss out on the warm welcome the Irish always give me, and to bring disappointment to those who were coming to hear me.
“I am going to reschedule. I don’t know when, because I am laying low, but I will try and be there later in the year. Thank you for understanding.’
A spokesperson for Bord Gáis Energy Theatre added, “While we understand this news is disappointing, we are committed to delivering a memorable event in the near future. We will keep you updated on the rescheduled date as soon as possible.”
Ticket holders have been advised that they will be automatically refunded for the event, and that they will be contacted from their point of purchase with further details.
Booker Prize-winner Atwood is a frequent visitor to Ireland and has previously described the country as a “little point of light” globally.
Speaking to Brendan RTÉ Radio 1 in 2019, she said, “Ireland is really quite different from the Ireland of 30 years ago. It is an example that things can change and change quite radically.”
At the time, she also spoke about the success of the television adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale, which has won eight Emmys, and recalled filming a cameo on the show in which she slaps lead actress Elisabeth Moss.
“We had to do it four times because I didn’t do it forcefully enough. And they added that sound effect,” she said.
“It’s an odd sensation to have your leading lady turn around and say to you, ‘Hit me harder!'”
