J. M. Synge (1871 - 1909) was an Irish poet and playwright. He participated in the founding of the Abbey Theatre. The Playboy of the Western World had a turbulent opening at the Abbey Theatre, when it caused riots because of its subject matter. "Playboy of the Western World" is a comedic play. A young man seeks refuge in an Irish village after the gruesome murder of his father. . He is accepted by the villagers and becomes a favorite with the women. Suddenly his father appears and things take a sudden turn for our hero.