Washington D.C.'s Ford's Theatre fall season has a decidedly Irish theme to it, with Frank and Malachy McCourt's A Couple of Blaguards and Siamsa Tire, The National Folk Theatre of Ireland on the roster.

The season begins with Blaguards, Sept. 15-Oct. 31. The play is a true story based on the experiences of the McCourt brothers as they grew up in the slums of Limerick, Ireland. Blaguards features the stories of the people of Limerick intermingled with Irish songs and poetry. A Couple of Blaguards served as the inspiration for both Frank's 1997 Pulitzer Prize winning book, "Angela's Ashes," and Malachy's "A Monk Swimming."

Mickey Kelly, who performed Frank McCourt in the New York and Dublin production, reprises his role at the Ford. Kelly also appeared in the Irish Art's Center production of Brian Friel's Lovers and Kenneth Branagh's Public Enemy. As in the Dublin production and unlike the New York one, in D.C. Malachy McCourt will play himself.

Come November, Siamsa Tire, The National Folk Theatre of Ireland will present tales from Celtic mythology, authentic North Kerry step dancing and Irish bodhran players when Siamsa plays Nov. 2-14. Siamsa began as a series of Irish music performances in the late '60s, until it was officially founded in 1974 to promote Irish folk culture in world wide tours.

For tickets or more information on either show, call (202) 347-4833. -- By Sean McGrath