This episode of the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio Show is presented by Mary Moynihan, writer, poet, and creator of art and photography. The show is focused on songs of protest and ways in which music and activism work hand in hand. From legendary Oklahoma folk singer Woody Guthrie, who famously wrote on his guitar, “This machine kills fascists” to the powerful voice of Aretha Franklin (Respect), to the current protest songs of Bruce Springsteen (Streets of Minneapolis) and Billy Bragg (City of Heroes )with the latter two songs supporting the current resistance against oppression in Minneapolis in the US .
Enjoy the story of the protest song Which Side Are You On sung by artists including Florence Reece (the song’s creator), the American folk singer Pete Seeger, Scottish folk singer Dick Gaughan, English folk singer Ewan McColl and by the Artists for Action group involving 16 artists from six countries including Black Umfolosi from Zimbabwe and the American-Canadian singer songwriter Ani DiFranco. Listen to the story of legendary folk singers and activists Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger.
Protest songs explored on the show include Bella Ciao in a version by Iranian sisters and singers Behin and Samin Bolouri and the Iranian protest song Baraye by Iranian singer-songwriter Shervin Hajipour. Both songs were associated with the nationwide protests in Iran in 2022. The songs are a reminder of the ongoing struggle of the Iranian people today and the protests and cultural resistance that is continuing amid a brutal crackdown and nationwide internet blackout as people challenge economic hardship and demand political change. There are deliberate attempts by the Iranian authorities in 2026 to erase evidence of the current deaths taking place and to erase collective memories of the protests. Witnesses in and outside of Iran are claiming that upwards of 33,000 protesters have been murdered by the authorities as part of the recent protests. There is an onus on all people and governments around the world to speak out and demand peace, democracy and human rights.
Protest songs are a powerful way to speak out, raise awareness, and inspire solidarity. From environmental issues to women’s rights, labour and union struggles, or the fight against racism, fascism and dictatorship, these songs rally people around causes, often with hope and non-violent resistance at their core, supporting democracy, equality, human rights and what it means to be human.
The Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio show is broadcast every Wednesday 6-7pm with Dublin South FM with each episode available as a podcast. The show is hosted by Mary Moynihan, writer, poet, creator of art and photography and Artistic Director, Smashing Times along with co-host Freda Manweiler, Producer, Smashing Times. Enjoy an engaging hour of in-depth discussions focused on all things arts, culture and human rights. Tune in to Dublin South FM 93.9, or listen online at www.dublinsouthfm.ie.
https://dublinsouthfm.ie/show/smashing-times-arts-and-human-rights-show/
Mary Moynihan, MA, she/her, is an author of novels, poetry, films and plays, from Dublin, Ireland. Mary embarked upon her award-winning career as a writer in theatre and film and has garnered much acclaim for her plays, poetry and short film scripts, and for creating interdisciplinary artworks combining writing, poetry and photography presented in galleries and online. She established and became Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and is Artistic Curator for the annual international Arts and Human Rights festival.
Freda Manweiler has worked with Smashing Times since 1999. She is highly skilled in project management, coordination and implementation. She has extensive experience working at a European level developing and delivering a range of European Initiatives, collaborating with over 50 cultural, educational and civil society organisations from over 22 European Countries. Promoting European Values through working on activities and projects that promote human rights, gender equality, positive mental health, remembrance and civic engagement.