Conor McPherson was born in Dublin in 1971. His best-known works include The Weir (1999 Olivier Award for Best New Play), Dublin Carol, The Seafarer (Tony nomination for Best Play), Shining City (Tony nomination for Best Play) and Port Authority. The Night Alive was awarded Best Play by the New York Drama Critics' Circle. One of Ireland's leading playwrights, his work has been produced throughout the UK and US.

Bob Dylan is an American songwriter, singer, artist, and writer. He has been influential in popular music and culture for more than five decades. Dylan has won many awards throughout his career including the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition," twelve Grammy Awards, one Academy Award and one Golden Globe Award. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame.