Fit’s G’in On?
Hola and greetings to you, blog readers. My thanks and appreciation to you!
I’ve been away for quite some time. In that time I’ve been mightily busy. So I thought I’d pop in and just give a quick overview of some of the projects I’ve been involved in over the past couple of months (click on headings for more info). To give an idea of the variety of forms making a living in the arts takes. Most of the people I know who making their living this way are working in a few different areas because we have interests and passions that span many genres. Also because, for most of us, it’s necessary.
Drawing the Ring of Steel:
by Kabosh theatre co, Belfast / @ Imagine Festival of Ideas and Politics, 24th March 2022
Role: Performer (searcher)
“On May 3rd 1921 the Government of Ireland Act became law, resulting in the partition of Ireland, a border that still separates the North (Northern Ireland, United Kingdom) from the South (Eire/Republic of Ireland). Two conflicts ensued: the Irish Civil War (1922-23) and the Troubles (1969-1998). The latter, consumed Northern Ireland for three decades and informed a militarized built-environment designed to meet security imperatives; traces of which are still evident on the streets of Belfast today.
A Troubles memorial was proposed as part of the peace process in 1998. Sectarian remembrance devices do exist across the country, but shared markers to the period remain unbuilt. On March 24th 2022, Drawing the Ring of Steel, a 16-hour live engagement event, will facilitate public recollection of the Troubles, through one of few mutual experiences of the conflict, a security cordon that once encircled Belfast City center, protecting, while rendering suspect, an entire population.”
Performers at Drawing the Ring of Steel
Celine’s Salon, Derry:
@ The Millenium Forum, Derry - 18th March 2022
Role: spoken-word artist
“1st of a series of monthly salon/ cabaret events in Derry. Twinned with the long standing, infamous Celine's Salon Soho. A variety of performers , singers, comedians, musicians, spoken word artists and dancers, from around Ireland and London will bring a show the likes of which you've never seen to the Forum Studio…”
BBC Radio 4 Short Works:
Role: Writer
I’ve been writing & rewriting & editing & drafting a short story commission for BBC Radio 4’s Short Works series. The episode will be available in the coming months. More info to follow when it becomes available.
About Us:
Role: Poetry facilitator, primary schools
Part of this multi-faceted light projections show was the creation and collection of poetry from local school children (St Paul’s and Longtower primary school) on behalf of The Poetry Society, with a view to including the work in the final showcase. Group poems were created over the course of a full day’s workshop with p7 and p6 children.
Warriors of the Dystotheque - Fear of an Equal Planet
Role: Lyric writer & performer
Collaborating for the second time with WotD, this brand new track will be getting its debut airing on BBC Radio 6 Music on the 8th April 2022.
