Irish Theatre Institute in association with Áras Éanna announces the artists participating receiving one-week residencies on Inis Óirr. The residences gives theatre makers, working in a interdisciplinary way and embracing the Irish language dedicated space, accommodation and resources for a short term residency on the island of Inis Óirr.
This offer went out through an open call. Thank you to the artist panel for their time and generous consideration: Zoe Ní Riordain and Timmy Creed.
Áine Gallagher
For the Residency, Áine will explore interactive theatrical opportunities for her audiences to explore Irish in a fun, accessible way.
Áine Gallagher, otherwise known as the “queen of offbeat”, is a professional standup comedian and proud to be Ireland’s only guerrilla Irish enthusiast. Since beginning her professional career in 2016, she has performed on many international stages and has become a stand out act with her novel use of bilingual comedy. She is passionate about not only the Irish language, but also the mundanity of life. In her work she aims to share her personal stories and promote human connection through laughter.
Christopher Somers
For the residency, Chris will sonically chart the landscape of Inis Óirr through a series of binaural recordings towards the creation of an experimental song cycle titled Oileán.
Chris Somers is a Kerry based composer and sound designer. His practice is informed by the idea of place as person and person as place as theorised by philosopher John Moriarty. His personal work is an exploration of sonic otherness that utilises guitar, distorted ambience and field recordings inspired by the sound(s) of the Irish landscape and coastline, slow moving, dramatic and immersive. When not designing he is a music producer and recording engineer working with several of Irelands established and up and coming bands. He is also one half of techno duo KENL.
Francis Mezza
For the residency, Francis will work on a play about the Irish language revival in the North of Ireland. He will Research the creation of Gaeltacht Bhóthar Seoighe, an urban Gaeltacht in West Belfast.
Francis Mezza is an actor from Belfast who trained at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. They have worked on stage, radio and screen and have worked with The Lyric Theatre, The Belfast Ensemble, The Royal Court, and Aisling Ghéar. Francis is also an Irish speaker, and they are beginning their career as a playwright. They have a strong interest in Irish language theatre and bi-lingual theatre.
Róisín Sheehy
For the Residency, Róisín is developing her third play ‘An Bhean a Saolaíodh ar Charraig’. The play is inspired by a true story of a woman born on a rock off the coast of the Blasket Island.
Is file, drámadóir agus craoltóir í Róisín Sheehy. D’fhoilsigh Coiscéim a céad cnuasach filíochta Líomóidí ‘s Rúbarb. I 2022 d’fhoilsigh LeabharComhar a dráma Snámh na Saoirse. Tá duaiseanna Oireachtais buaite aici dá cuid saothar filíochta agus drámaíocht. Ghnóthaigh Snámh na Saoirse gradam Stewart Parker Trust. Bronnadh Complacht Patrick Kavanagh uirthi i 2021. Is as Corca Dhuibhne ó dhúchais di ach tá sí ag cur fúithi anois i gCill Chainnigh. Tá sí an-tógtha le rince comhaimseartha.
Róisín is a poet, playwright and broadcaster. Coiscéim published her debut collection ‘Líomóidí ‘s Rúbarb’ and her play ‘Snámh na Saoirse’ was published by Leabhar Comhar. Her poetry and plays have been awarded Oireachtas na Gaeilge awards. ‘Snámh na Saoirse’ was awarded a Stewart Parker Trust award. She received a Patrick Kavanagh Fellowship in 2021. Róisín is originally from West Kerry Gaeltacht and now lives in Kilkenny. She is invigorated by dance.
Irish Theatre Institute and Áras Éanna are core funded The Arts Council|An Chomhairle Ealaíon
