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SUMMARY:Theatre for a Shared Humanity: Arts and Human Rights Participative Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\nParticipants explore movement\, improvisation\, collaborative performance-making and socially engaged artistic methodologies while considering shared European values including human dignity\, gender equality\, human rights\, diversity\, democracy and peace. \n\n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nFrederique Lecomte\, Artistic Director\, Theatre & Reconciliation \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nJoin us for a ‘One Night Stand’! This is an inspiring afternoon and evening of theatre\, creativity\, and dialogue with internationally acclaimed theatre-maker Frédérique Lecomte\, founder and Artistic Director of Théâtre & Réconciliation. This practical theatre workshop (3–6pm) that Frédérique Lecomte joyfully refers to as a ‘one night stand’ where theatre is made in a short space of time and where participants explore movement\, improvisation\, collaborative performance-making\, and socially engaged artistic methodologies in a supportive and accessible environment is open to women and female-identifying people only. \n\n\n\nThemes explored include the concept of a shared European identity and European values of human dignity\, gender equality\, human rights\, diversity\, democracy and peace.  The workshop culminates in a live improvised public performance (7.30–9.30pm)\, presented by the participants themselves and open to all audiences. The workshop is open to theatre and art students and practitioners\, youth and community groups\, members of civil society organisations and individual members of the public who are interested in discovering more about the work.  No prior experience is necessary. Active participation is required. Please wear practical clothing for participation in games and exercises. \n\n\n\nPresented by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality as part of the 2026 Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival\, this unique event offers participants the opportunity to engage directly with one of Europe’s leading socially engaged theatre practitioners. Frédérique Lecomte is the founder and director of  Théâtre & Réconciliation\,  an award-winning Belgian theatre company dedicated to social engagement\, artistic innovation\, and community empowerment. Through original theatrical creation\, the company works with diverse communities in both conflict zones and peaceful settings\, using theatre as a powerful tool for dialogue\, transformation\, and shared humanity. \n\n\n\nThis is a rare opportunity to work closely with an internationally recognised artist while exploring themes of European identity and shared values\, including human rights\, gender equality\, diversity\, democracy\, and peace. \n\n\n\nThe improvised public performance is followed by a panel discussion and Q&A featuring Frédérique Lecomte of Théâtre & Réconciliation and Mary Moynihan of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality. Together\, they will discuss the We Are Europe project\, Frédérique Lecomte’s award-winning artistic practice\, and the role of the arts in fostering inclusion\, reconciliation\, and social change across Europe. \n\n\n\nThis event is presented as part of WE ARE Europe\, a collaborative European initiative between Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, Ireland\, and Théâtre & Réconciliation\, Belgium\, supported by Erasmus+. The project promotes transnational collaboration\, shared creative methodologies\, and inclusive arts practice across Europe. \n\n\n\nThe event is also part of Erasmus Days\, an international six-day celebration of the Erasmus+ programme. Find out more here \n\n\n\nThéâtre & Réconciliation \n\n\n\nTheatre & Reconciliation is a Belgian non-profit organisation. Founded in 1994 by director Frédérique Lecomte\, it aims to perpetuate a particular dramatic practice that aims to work\, through theatre\, with marginalized or vulnerable populations. Rehearsals mix professional and amateur actors to create a joyful\, political and unbridled theatre that dares to say out loud what everyone thinks low\, that gives a voice to those who are deprived of it\, that transforms actors and spectators. The Theatre & Reconciliation method aims at the autonomy  of vulnerable people\, reconstruction\, conflict resolution and reconciliation.  The spectator receives the stories of people\, the little stories like the Great Story\, the show brings those who are far away close to us\, overcomes fears\, thwarts clichés and amuses himself with stereotypes. \n\n\n\n“I create on the difficulty to put together people who\, normally\, hate each other\, kill each other\, take revenge\, suspect each other\, consider each other as part of an inferior humanity. There\, I act\, I combine\, I mix; there\, I tip the limits of fear\, fear of the other\, fear of oneself.” \n\n\n\nExpertise: Through the presentation of performances of high artistic standards\, the organization impacts reflection and change on audience members. Theatre & Reconciliation has created productions with actors from vulnerable and marginalised communities including those from conflict zones\, diasporas\, prisoners\, torture victims\, drug addicts and asylum seekers\, using theatre as a means of reconciliation and giving confidence and a voice to those who have none. \n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrédérique LeComte is the founder and main facilitator of the Theatre and Reconciliation method. She is a sociologist\, writer and stage director from Belgium. She is an expert in rebuilding traumatised and conflicted communities\, organising theatre workshops and performances both with and for the community in war areas all over the world. In these areas\, Frédérique creates a safe space where everyone is free to speak – victims of torture\, torturers\, people displaced and prisoners alike. She aims to use theatre to discuss issues such as justice\, trauma\, elections\, land and ethnic conflicts. In Belgium\, she works with prisoners\, psychiatric patients\, diasporas\, illegal migrants and asylum seekers. Frédérique also offers training and conferences about Theatre and Reconciliation for NGOs\, associations and individuals. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/theatre-for-a-shared-humanity-arts-and-human-rights/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Theatre,Workshop
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261011T190000
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SUMMARY:In Conversation: Voices of Peace – The Gathering: Interactive Event with Poetry\, Storytelling and Curated Artist Talks
DESCRIPTION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\nFeaturing poetry\, storytelling\, curated artist talks and audience Q&A\, the event explores creative journeys\, artistic practice and the role of the arts in promoting equality\, human rights and diversity. \n\n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nJessica Rodrigues\, Multidisciplinary Artist \n\n\n\nGillian Lambe\, Visual Artist \n\n\n\nViktoriia Yevsiukova\, Visual Artist \n\n\n\nHina Khan\, Visual Artist \n\n\n\nFeilim James\, Write and Poet\, Editor of Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal \n\n\n\nMary Moynihan\, Writer\, Poet\, Creator of Art and Photography \n\n\n\nAmna Walayat\, Visual Artist \n\n\n\nIqra Iqbal\, Visual Artist \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nVoices of Peace – The Gathering is an interactive event bringing together artists and audiences for discussion\, reflection\, and an exploration of shared perspectives on peace\, equality and human rights through contemporary artistic expression. Join us for an entertaining in-conversation event titled Voices of Peace – The Gathering featuring discussion\, poetry\, storytelling\, and curated artist talks\, with artists presenting on their artistic practice and artworks on display at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery\, followed by and a Q and A session with the audience. Voices of Peace – The Gathering takes place on Sunday 11 October\, 7-9pm at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin A96V9P1. \n\n\n\nThis event features creative presentations by Voices of Peace Artists as they reflect on their creative journeys\, the inspirations behind their work\, and the theme of Voices of Peace\, exploring the role of the arts in promoting equality\, human rights\, and diversity worldwide.  \n\n\n\nVoices of Peace Artists are creators whose work highlights or touches on themes of peace\, equality and human rights through powerful artistic expression\, sparking dialogue and new visions for the future.  The Voices of Peace Visual Art Exhibition is currently on display at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery where our event takes place\, supported by dlr County Council Universal Grants Scheme. \n\n\n\nThe evening is facilitated by writer and poet Mary Moynihan who presents on her work with a poetry reading and talk about the origins of the Voices of Peace programme. Guest artists on the night include Jessica Rodriques\, multidisciplinary artist; Gillian Lambe\, visual artist;  Hina Khan\, Visual Artist; Viktoriia Yevsiukova\, visual artist; Amna Walayat\, Visual Artist; Iqra Iqbal\, Visual Artist\, and Féilim James\, writer\, poet and editor of Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal. Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal\, is an arts and literary journal that publishes creative work from across the artistic spectrum.  The journal is edited by Féilim James\, a writer and poet\, and produced by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality. \n\n\n\nThis event is supported by the Dlr Universal Grants Scheme. \n\n\n\nHistory of the Voices of Peace Programme\n\n\n\nThe Voices of Peace Artist programme began in 2025 as part of the annual international Irish Arts and Human Rights festival.   In 2025\, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival issued an open call for submissions to Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal. This edition was themed Voices of Peace. From this open call\, four artists were selected to have their work featured in the July edition of Tintreach and to become the Voices of Peace Artists at the annual international Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival which ran from the 10 to the 19 October 2025. \n\n\n\nThe inaugural 2025 Voices of Peace Artists were Shreya Gupta\, a poet\, short story writer\, and neurodivergent woman; Jessica Rodrigues\, a multidisciplinary artist; Rowan Tate\, a Romanian poet and essayist and Noah Sex\, a visual artist. \n\n\n\nThe 2025 Voices of Peace Artists had their work featured in the July 2025 edition of Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal. They attended the Irish Arts and Human Rights festival launch on 10 October 2025; appeared at the Voices for Peace Artist Talk on Saturday 11 October 2025 and were interviewed about their work on the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio Show on Dublin South FM. \n\n\n\nThe four selected Voices of Peace Artists in 2025 were: \n\n\n\n\nShreya Gupta – Poet\, short story writer\, and neurodivergent woman whose work aims to spark dialogues on under-represented concerns and human relationships with the worlds we inhabit.\n\n\n\nJessica Rodrigues – Multidisciplinary artist exploring dreamscapes\, inner worlds\, and symbolic imagery through fine art and custom tattoos.\n\n\n\nRowan Tate – Romanian poet and essayist whose writing probes identity\, memory\, and the ways we construct reality.\n\n\n\nNoah Sex – Third-level Fine Art student from Dublin\, studying at NCAD\, whose emerging practice reflects a bold new voice in contemporary art.\n\n\n\n\nVoices of Peace Artists Biographies \n\n\n\nShreya Gupta\, a Dubliner\, is a poet\, short story writer\, and neurodivergent woman. Originally from India\, she has called Ireland home for five years now. She works in the tech industry by day and stretches her evenings finishing her second year of Oxford’s cross-genre creative writing diploma\, specialising in poetry and autofiction. She is interested in contextualising human lives and connections within their sociopolitical systems\, technological advancements\, and psychological mindscapes. Inspired by women writers who challenge the status quo\, her work aims to spark dialogues on under-represented concerns and human relationships with the worlds we inhabit. Visit her Instagram profile here. \n\n\n\nJessica Rodrigues is a multidisciplinary artist exploring dreamscapes\, inner worlds\, and symbolic imagery through fine art and custom tattoos. Her work blends tactile intimacy with public-facing art\, translating personal iconography into evocative visual narratives. Click here for her Instagram profile and here for her website. \n\n\n\nRowan Tate is a Romanian poet and essayist whose work probes identity\, memory\, and the ways we construct reality. Inspired by the rawness of history and the narratives often left unheard\, her poetry examines the fragile intersections of truth and storytelling\, with her writing appearing in The Stinging Fly\, The Shore\, Josephine Quarterly\, Meniscus\, and elsewhere. \n\n\n\nNoah Sex is a third-level student from Dublin\, studying Fine Art in the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). His achievements include the Royal Hibernian Academy Access Grant 2025 and the Sights of Polykites Exhibition\, NCAD Gallery\, 2024. Visit his Instagram profile here. \n\n\n\nVoices of Peace 2025 Artists featured in Edition Three of Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal \n\n\n\nThe third edition of Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal showcases the works the 2025 Voices of Peace artists. The journal highlights the work of Featured Artist Shreya Gupta\, in addition to Jessica Rodrigues\, Rowan Tate\, and Noah Sex. The theme is Voices of Peace. The introduction by editor Féilim James lists a number of actions the Irish government could take to put pressure on Israel to stop the genocide in Gaza\, before giving his thoughts on the role of artists in responding to atrocities. Following this are three poems by Featured Artist Shreya Gupta\, which address the intersection of war\, economic hardship\, religious and ethnic conflict\, and the struggle for peace. Shreya also gives an in-depth Featured Artist Interview where she outlines her creative process with regard to the three poems\, her influences\, what peace means to her\, and more. This is followed by two colourful and striking paintings by Jessica Rodrigues\, which frame peace not just as an absence of conflict\, but as resilience transformed. Two poems by Rowan Tate then explore how political violence is processed by those who bear its brunt. Finally\, two paintings by Noah Sex grapple with the psychology of war and the compassion it prevents us from accessing until it is too late. Click here to read Tintreach Edition Three \n\n\n\nVoices of Peace 2025 Artists featured on the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio Show \n\n\n\nThe Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio show podcast (original broadcast dates 3 and 10 September 2025) features an a feature artist interview with the Voices of Peace artist Jessica Rodrigues and  lively chat and debate by co-hosts Mary Moynihan and Freda Manweiler on the opening of the new Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality at 30 Sandycove Road\, Dublin\, A96V9P1. The new venue features a visual art gallery and event space and the inaugural exhibition is Landscapes of the Soul which runs from Friday 5 September to Sunday 28 September 2025\, Wednesday to Sunday 1-6pm daily. Landscapes of the Soul is a stunning multi-disciplinary exhibition by artist Mary Moynihan featuring beautiful visual art\, photography\, poetry and film mapping physical landscapes of nature to landscapes of the soul\, reflecting on ways to hold on to the courage to be who we truly are and to let ourselves shine.     \n\n\n\nThe feature artist interview on the radio show is with the Voices of Peace artist Jessica Rodrigues. Jessica is a multidisciplinary artist exploring dreamscapes\, inner worlds\, and symbolic imagery through fine art and custom tattoos. Jessica’s work blends tactile intimacy with public-facing art\, translating personal iconography into evocative visual narratives. Enjoy a fascinating interview with Jessica as she talks about her work as a multidisciplinary artist in the areas of fine art and custom tatoos and how the ‘magic happens’\, discussing her creative approaches to Glitter tatoos\, studio Ghibli tatoos and Capybara. Two of Jesscia’s artworks were selected through an open call and are showcased in the July edition of  Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal\, edited by Féilim James\, poet and writer\, out now at \n\n\n\nhttps://smashingtimes.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/OFFICIAL-Tintreach-Edition-Three-July-2025.pdf \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nListen to past shows here \n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJessica Rodrigues is a Brazilian-Irish multimedia artist based in Dublin\, creating strange worlds shaped by dreams\, nature\, memories\, and old tales. Working across fine art\, tattoos\, videos\, and murals\, the artist employs a surrealist language infused with magical realism to create visual stories that blur the limits between reality and myth. \n\n\n\nJessica spent eleven years as a tattoo artist\, a period that permanently shaped her understanding of narrative. In that role\, stories were entrusted and inscribed\, a collaborative act that demanded integrity and a focus on the body as the first site for a visual tale. This experience remains the quiet anchor for all her work. \n\n\n\nJessica now builds worlds across painting\, murals\, and video\, drawing from a well of dreams and old folklore to create images that feel both familiar and strangely new. The curiosity that guided her hand on skin now guides her interdisciplinary practice. It is a practice of genuine exploration\, evidenced by an Artist in the Community Scheme grant for collaborative public work and features in 10 group exhibitions\, including the group show Voice of Dreams for Visionary Arts. \n\n\n\nJessica’s work has been featured in Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal \n\n\n\nSee Jessica’s Instagram @artbyjroiz \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGillian Lambe is a visual artist whose practice explores how we experience\, carry and remember the people and places that shape us and how this can influence our sense of belonging. \n\n\n\nShe is especially drawn to the tension between opposing states: connection and separation\, containment and openness\, permanence and change. \n\n\n\nShe uses colour and gesture\, texture and form to research and explore these themes. She gives space to the viewers to bring their own memories\, associations and experiences to the work and to find their own points of connection within it. \n\n\n\nOriginally from Cavan\, Gillian is currently based in Dublin. She has studied drawing\, sculpture and ceramics at NCAD (CEAD) and works across different materials to explore emotion\, connection and environment within her work. \n\n\n\nCurrent and recent exhibitions include the 3rd Annual Exhibition\, An Chéad Tine Art Gallery 3rd\, Kilkenny (selected by Maurice Quillinan)\, ‘Threshold’ The Market House\, Dunleer\, The Easter Competition\, Glebe Gallery (OPW)\, Donegal\, ‘Chrysalis’ & ‘Emerging Perspectives’\, Reynold’s Gallery\, Dublin\, ‘Beyond Words: Art & the Unknown’\, Herman’s Auctioneer’s Modern & Contemporary\, Dublin\, Smashing Times Gallery ‘Solstice Light’\, Dublin and Signal Arts Centre Members show in Wicklow. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nViktoriia was  born in 2005 in Kharkiv\, Ukraine. Viktoriia  studied at the Kharkiv Professional Higher Art College of Kharkiv Regional Council\, earning a Professional Junior Bachelor degree (2020–2024)\, and continued her studies at the Cavan Institute (QQI Level 5 in Art\, Craft and Design\, 2024–2025). Viktoriia’s work explores inner tension and quiet disquiet\, capturing fleeting moments of stillness and anticipation. \n\n\n\nViktoriia was selected for the Cavan Arts Awards 2025 and has exhibited in the Summer Showcase Exhibition 2025 in Bailieborough and an exhibition for Culture Night 2025. Viktoriia currently lives and works in Cavan\, County Cavan. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHina Khan was born in born in Pakistan in 1980 and completed an MFA\, majoring in Miniature Painting from Pakistan. Hina uses miniature in her work as the intricacy and delicacy of the brush work has a unique identity. Hina’s work began as a mixture of traditional and contemporary miniature and her practice has now expanded to include small and large-scale installation\, videos and 3D. \n\n\n\nAccording to Hina ‘My work is a constant search for the best way to interpret ideas and to express my own ideologies through symbolism.  I am creating a dialogue through my art. My art is a reflection of inner connection\, and how immigrants and nomadic artists are a part of this land. Migration is deeply rooted in my blood. I have carried two cultures\, one from where I was born and the other is this culture where I am trying to re-root myself. Sometimes a situation is not in our control\, but life always takes us on different voyages. This journey has built up a constant transition in my art\, personality\, and in terms of experimentation\, enabling me to evolve my artistic practice.’ \n\n\n\nHina has participated in a number of groups shows in Pakistan from 2002 to 2011. Hina came to Ireland in 2015 and participated in a number of exhibitions in Dublin\, Laois\, Mayo\, and Cork. Hina was awarded several residencies with Fire Station Arts Center\, Create Ireland\, West Cork Art Center and Cow House Studio and has displayed solo exhibitions at Ballina Art Center\, Mayo\, and Stradbally Art house\, Laois. \n\n\n\nHina’s art pieces are held in the permanent collection of The Arts Council of Ireland. She is the recipient of several awards from The Arts Council of Ireland\, Create Ireland\, and from different counties. She is the recipient of an R&D award from Create Ireland in collaboration with Tomasz Madajezak under the mentorship of Jesse Jones and is also collaborating with filmmaker David Bickley. Hina’s art pieces were commissioned for State of the Art: The Nation State as both Violator and Protector of Human Rights (2022) and for States of Independence (2023). Both projects were f presented by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and funded by The Arts Council. \n\n\n\nHina says that ‘as an artist\,  I am inspired by Sadequain\, Michelangelo\, Picasso\, Frida Kahlo\, Shahzia Sikander and Anselm Kiefer.’ \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmna is a Cork-based Pakistani born visual artist and Associate Member of Sample-Studios\, Art Nomads\, Smashing Times and Angelica Network. She has recently been awarded the Cork County Council Creative Producer Residency\, The Arts Council Agility Award and has been invited to exhibit her new work in IMMA\, having exhibited her work recently in IMMA online and in Cork County Council’s online exhibition space. In addition to her active practice\, she has worked as Programme Organizer with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts; Curator with Alhamra Arts Council and PhD studio-based researcher with PURAF\, University of the Punjab (2004-2007). She recently established the Ireland-Pakistan Arts Exchange (IPAE) to bring both art communities together through creating opportunities for networking and exchange. She is a recipient of Arts Council Ireland Visual Artist Bursary Award\, Professional Development Award 2020 and Dilkusha Award 2020. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIqra is a multidisciplinary artist currently undertaking a Master’s in Art and the Contemporary World at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD)\, Dublin. Working primarily with acrylic painting and neo-miniature as a visual language\, she also experiments with glass and other materials. \n\n\n\nHer practice explores identity\, displacement\, belonging and coexistence\, with particular interest in how people carry cultural histories while forming new relationships with the places and communities they inhabit. Drawing on her experience of moving between cultural spaces\, she questions inherited systems of thought and the cultural frameworks that shape how we understand ourselves\, others and difference. \n\n\n\nThrough symbolism\, pattern\, architectural forms and inherited visual languages\, Iqra explores the process of unlearning and reconsidering ideas that can appear fixed or universal. Rather than rejecting cultural inheritance\, her work seeks to question and reinterpret it\, opening possibilities for alternative ways of seeing\, knowing and belonging. \n\n\n\nHer recent work considers peace through coexistence\, equality and the possibility of sharing space while allowing difference and individuality to remain visible. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFéilim James is a novelist\, poet\, and playwright from Dublin\, Ireland. In 2024\, his poem ‘Dream of an Atrocity’ was shortlisted for the New Irish Writing: Best Poetry category at the Irish Book Awards. He has been funded by the Arts Council of Ireland on three occasions\, including for his novel\, Flower of Ash. Dublin City Arts Office granted him an Arts Bursary in 2021 to finish his poetry collection\, I was a river\, lost. He is the editor of Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal. \n\n\n\nFéilim’s fiction\, non-fiction\, and poetry have appeared in the Irish Independent’s New Irish Writing\, Acumen\, The Honest Ulsterman (upcoming)\, Abridged\, The High Window\, The Fiction Pool\, Icarus\, TOWER\, The Galway Review\, A New Ulster\, Trinity Journal of Literary Translation\, Pendemic\, Rant and Rave\, Vox Galvia\, the Smashing Times Newsletter\, and Tales From the Forest. He has had four plays and two short films produced. Féilim’s work has been performed or exhibited in locations such as Áras an Uachtaráin\, Dublin (the residency of the President of Ireland); Dublin Castle; the European Court of Human Rights\, Strasbourg; and Jean Monnet House\, Paris\, for an event by the European Observatory on Memories. \n\n\n\nFéilim’s play Sole Flower\, Spidered Soul (2023)\, about the relationship between James and Lucia Joyce\, had its premiere run in the Pumphouse\, Dublin Port\, in October 2023\, as part of Smashing Times’ Dublin Arts and Human Rights Festival. Its director was Patrick Joseph Byrnes\, who again directed when it had its second run\, this time in The New Theatre\, Dublin in June 2024\, as part of Bloomsday Festival. In 2025\, Sole Flower\, Spidered Soul was added to the archive of the Zurich James Joyce Foundation. Féilim’s play At Summer’s End (2019)\, about Ettie Steinberg\, a real-life Jewish-Irish woman facing the horrors of the Holocaust\, has been toured by Smashing Times to places such as Paris\, Northern Ireland\, and Áras an Uachtaráin\, the residency of the President of Ireland. \n\n\n\nFéilim’s Irish language writing\, under the surname Ó Brádaigh\, has won seven Oireachtas na Gaeilge literary awards\, including one for a collection of poetry. These awards are the most prestigious in Irish language literature. His work through Irish has appeared in Comhar\, Feasta\, Trinity Journal of Literary Translation\, Comhar Óg\, Tuathal\, and An Scríbhneoir Óg. Additionally\, he has twice been selected for Fóras na Gaeilge’s Tutor Scheme. \n\n\n\nFéilim graduated from the BA in English Literature and Psychology in Trinity College\, Dublin in 2017. In 2020\, he completed the MA in Writing in the University of Galway\, studying under the likes of Mike McCormack and Arnold Thomas Fanning\, and receiving a first-class honour. Visit his website here. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMary Moynihan\, MA\, she/her\, is an award-winning author of novels\, poetry\, films and plays\, and a creator of art and photography. Mary is 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\, visual art and photography presented in galleries and online. \n\n\n\nMary established and became Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and is Artistic Curator for the annual international Irish Arts and Human Rights festival. Mary has an honours BA in Drama and Theatre Studies from Trinity College Dublin and an honours Masters in Film Production from TU Dublin. \n\n\n\nAfter raising four children\, now adults\, Mary dedicates her time to writing and creating photography and art (oils on canvas). Mary is a multidisciplinary artist and  regularly creates artworks that fuse painting\, photographic imagery\, poetical texts and film many of which are inspired by landscapes and seascapes especially of the seas and oceans around Ireland\, and a reflection on what it is to be human. Mary regularly shares stories from historical memory through her artistic practice particularly in relation to stories of people who stand up for the rights of others. \n\n\n\nAwards \n\n\n\nMary’s work has won a number of awards\, including the Allianz Business to Arts Special Judges DAA Arts Award at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre\, the international and prestigious #ArtsAgainstCovid award from the Arts in Health International Foundation\, a GSK Ireland Impact Award\, a Dublin Bus Community Spirit Award\, a National Lottery Good Cause Award\, an  Arts Council Agility Award and an Arts Council Project Award. Mary was awarded a Project Award from The Arts Council to write a new work titled The Feeling Soul\, inspired by stories of women poets from ancient and modern Ireland.    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/in-conversation-voices-of-peace-the-gathering/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Talk
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ORGANIZER;CN="Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality":MAILTO:info@smashingtimes.ie
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261011T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261011T180000
DTSTAMP:20260925T150217Z
CREATED:20260917T115014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T150217Z
UID:10000764-1791730800-1791741600@smashingtimes.ie
SUMMARY:Workshop on Feminist Utopias – Imagining Alternative Futures
DESCRIPTION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\nEkaterina Schalmann\, theatre artist\, drama teacher and researcher\, and Evdokia Romanova (aka Dunia)\, an intersectional Feminist\, Community Artist\, and Human Rights Activist invite participants to imagine alternative feminist futures centred on care\, solidarity\, equality\, ecological and social justice and collective liberation\, using creative practices to question existing systems and rehearse more just futures. Presented by FemLink\, a Queer\, Feminist\, Migrant Collective\, based in Vienna\, Austria \n\n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\nTickets free\, but recommended donation of €15/€20 on the day \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nEkaterina Schalmann\, Theatre Artist\, Drama Teacher\, Researcher \n\n\n\nEvdokia Romanova (aka Dunia)\, Intersectional Feminist\, Community Artist\, and Human Rights Activist \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nIn a world marked by the rise of authoritarianism\, catastrophic climate change\, ongoing wars\, political violence\, and multiple intersecting crises\, it can become increasingly difficult to imagine a future beyond survival. We are constantly confronted with narratives of collapse\, uncertainty\, and fear. These realities can disconnect us from one another\, fragment our communities\, and make it difficult to believe that other ways of living are possible. Yet\, in moments of crisis\, the ability to imagine becomes a radical and necessary community practice. \n\n\n\nWhat if we allowed ourselves to dream? What might our futures look like if we placed care\, solidarity\, equality\, pleasure\, ecological and social justice\, and collective liberation at their centre? \n\n\n\nThe workshop Feminist Utopias places these questions at the forefront. Through applied theatre\, embodied practices\, and other interactive and creative formats\, participants are invited to step into alternative feminist futures and explore the worlds that could exist beyond the present. Rather than understanding utopia as a perfect or fixed destination\, we approach it as a creative process\, a time travel to explore a shared rehearsal for the possible. Feminist utopics offers permission to challenge what we have been taught to consider inevitable. They enable us to question dominant systems of power and to imagine societies organised around different values. \n\n\n\nTogether\, we will experiment with the so-called unrealistic realities\, magical characters\, queer relationships\, far away spaces\, and forms of collective life we are yet to discover. Through play and performance\, we will ask not only what kind of world do we want? But what would become possible if gendered hierarchies\, patriarchal structures\, racism\, exploitation\, and extractive relationships with the Earth no longer defined our everyday lives? The workshop is an invitation to reimagine\, rewrite\, and rehearse the contemporary world. It is a space for collective dreaming\, but also for critical reflection: to recognise that imagining another future is itself a political act. \n\n\n\nWe invite you to bring your experiences\, questions\, desires\, contradictions\, and wildest visions. Together\, we will create fragments of feminist futures and develop our own proposals for worlds that have not yet come into being. \n\n\n\nThe workshop promotes a human rights agenda by creating a participatory space to imagine societies grounded in equality\, dignity\, freedom\, care\, solidarity\, and collective liberation. The workshop also understands the right to participate\, to express oneself\, to be heard\, and to collectively shape visions of the future as essential dimensions of human rights. Its inclusive and creative methodology encourages participants to bring diverse experiences\, identities\, desires\, and perspectives into a shared process of reflection and dialogue. \n\n\n\nAll in all\, the workshop frames imagination as a form of civic and political participation: a way to challenge what is presented as inevitable and to rehearse more just\, inclusive\, feminist\, and sustainable futures. \n\n\n\nThis event is presented by FemLink Collective AT \n\n\n\nFemLink is a queer feminist migrant collective dedicated to challenging oppression and discrimination. We create inclusive\, horizontal spaces—virtual\, physical\, and public—where diverse identities come together to heal\, connect\, and foster solidarity.  Rooted in creativity and care\, we envision a future where queer\, feminist\, migrant\, and curious individuals can move from othering to belonging\, bridging communities and empowering each other to simply be. We are active in exploring the fields of collective care\, craftivism and feminist resistance. \n\n\n\nFemLink are a visiting collective attending the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival 2026. They are based in Vienna\, Austria. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies:\n\n\n\nEkaterina Schalmann works at the intersection of art\, activism\, and community organising. Since 2020\, she is a participatory theater artist and co-directs the theater collective Resilient Revolt. At Theater of the Oppressed Vienna she works as a drama teacher in schools and as a researcher in applied theater projects. She studied political economy\, international relations and social ecology in Germany\, the UK and Austria. \n\n\n\nEvdokia Romanova (aka Dunia) is an intersectional feminist\, community artist\, and human rights activist. Her practice brings together artivism\, theatre\, collective care\, and social justice\, exploring how creative and participatory practices can become tools for resistance\, connection\, and social change. She has worked extensively on sexual and reproductive health and rights\, queer feminist resistance\, and the sustainability of radical activist communities. Her artistic practice is particularly rooted in theatre-based approaches. Dunia currently coordinates the Women in Development Europe network (WIDE Austria) and is a co-founder of the FemLink collective. \n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/workshop-on-feminist-utopias-2/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Workshop
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261010T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261010T210000
DTSTAMP:20260929T092447Z
CREATED:20260917T095602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T092447Z
UID:10000760-1791658800-1791666000@smashingtimes.ie
SUMMARY:Poetry Night with Emmet O’Brien\, Acclaimed Poet and Spoken Word artist
DESCRIPTION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\nThe event celebrates rhythm\, language and connection and offers audiences an energising evening of contemporary Irish spoken word. O’Brien is known for performances including The North Side and Dirty Dublin\, as well as appearances at festivals such as Electric Picnic\, Body & Soul and All Together Now. His wider creative practice includes mental-health murals in Temple Bar and poetry workshops in Mountjoy Prison. \n\n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\nNo Booking Necessary \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nEmmet O’Brien\, Poet and Spoken Word Artist \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nJoin us for a night sharing the work of Emmet O’Brien\, acclaimed poet and spoken word artist. The event will include a performance by Emmet\, as well as an informal chat about his work. \n\n\n\nAcording to the Void Platform and Magazine \n\n\n\n’finding the words to describe the work and performance of Emmet O’Brien is no easy task. . . . from the North side of Dublin (he) is a beautiful amalgamation of talent and story. Labelling a creative such as Emmet as a poet almost doesn’t do the artist justice for what impact and accomplishments he has made and achieved in his creative career thus far. Emmet O’Brien is a Filídh\, a filídh is a legendary olden Irish term which translates to a . . creative who was worshipped for their skills and their art and someone who has undoubtedly left a stamp in the world they roam. ‘[1] \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n[1] https://void.ie/emmet-obrien-the-filidh/ \n\n\n\nSmashing Times Arts & Human Rights Radio Show on Dublin South FM \n\n\n\nListen to an interview with Emmet O’Brien\, acclaimed poet and spoken word artist on the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio Show. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA celebrated voice in Ireland’s spoken word scene\, Emmet O’Brien is known for his viral performances such as The North Side and Dirty Dublin\, as well as several acclaimed books. His work has taken him to stages across Europe and festivals including Electric Picnic\, Body + Soul and All Together Now. With projects ranging from mental health murals in Temple Bar to poetry workshops in Mountjoy Prison\, O’Brien presents an unforgettable evening of spoken word\, poetry and performance\, a celebration of rhythm\, language and connection. This event is an experience of the best of Irish spoken word poetry leaving audiences energised\, moved and uplifted. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/poetry-night-with-emmet-obrien/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Poetry,Spoken Word
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ORGANIZER;CN="Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality":MAILTO:info@smashingtimes.ie
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261010T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261010T120000
DTSTAMP:20260925T145021Z
CREATED:20260915T115608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T145021Z
UID:10000724-1791628200-1791633600@smashingtimes.ie
SUMMARY:Stories by the Sea – Guided Walk on Stories of Irish Changemakers in History
DESCRIPTION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\nThe walk combines spectacular sea views of Dublin Bay with captivating stories of remarkable Irish changemakers including Roger Casement and the extraordinary humanitarian\, Dr Kathleen Lynn\,  people who shaped our history through courage\, creativity\, and compassion. The tour begins and ends at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery\, where participants can enjoy a vibrant exhibition and continue the conversations. \n\n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\nNo Booking Necessary \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nJoin us for an unforgettable storytelling walk along the beautiful coastline overlooking Scotsman’s Bay\, where the sea becomes the backdrop for stories of remarkable Irish changemakers who shaped our history through courage\, creativity\, and compassion. Our guided coastal walk stretches from the iconic Forty Foot Bathing area in Sandycove along the seacoast to the Roger Casement statue in Dun Laoghaire and back again\, beginning and ending at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery at 30 Sandycove Road\, Dublin. \n\n\n\nEnjoy one of Dublin’s most beautiful seascapes blending dramatic coastal views and spectacular scenery with captivating stories.  Along the way\, we hear stories of Irish changemakers from Ireland and local characters  associated with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown\, including Roger Casement and the extraordinary humanitarian\, Dr Kathleen Lynn\, reflecting on the different ways people have stood up peacefully for the rights and dignity of others. \n\n\n\nWe reflect on the story of sea swimming\, from the restored Dún Laoghaire Baths to the famous Forty-Foot bathing area\, and consider the importance of the coast as a place of creativity\,  culture and well-being. The tour begins and ends at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery\, where participants can enjoy a vibrant exhibition and continue the conversations. After the tour and gallery visit\, you can stroll through the urban village of Sandycove and Glasthule\, enjoying the many wonderful shops\, cafés and restaurants. \n\n\n\nCoastal + Urban Guided Walks: Information for all walks and tours\n\n\n\nWe offer three guided walking trails. \n\n\n\nTwo coastal walks begin and end at theSmashing Times Visual Art Gallery\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Dublin\, A96V9P1 taking participants along the seacoast from Sandycove to Dún Laoghaire and back. Walk One: Stories by the Sea – Guided Walk on Stories of Irish Changemakers  in History shares stories of Irish Human Rights Defenders in the past\, while Walk Two: Art by the Sea – Stories of Irish Artists\, Writers and Visionaries explores the lives and work of Irish artists. Both walks feature stories of people connected to the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area and bring together arts\, nature and human rights\, while inviting participants to enjoy the beauty of the coastal landscape. \n\n\n\nWalk Three: Walking Through Women’s History 1916–1923 –  Guided Walk through Rathmines and Ranelagh featuring stories of Irish women in history is an urban walking trail beginning outside Swan Leisure Centre\, Rathmines Square\, 161 Rathmines Road Lower\, Dublin\, D06 E6P3\, and ending at the Holy Trinity Church\, Rathmines.  The tour explores the stories and experiences of women during the revolutionary period of 1916–1923\, highlighting their roles\, contributions and often overlooked voices in Irish history. \n\n\n\nPrices \n\n\n\nAdults Age 18+:                            15 Euro \n\n\n\nChildren Ages 4-17:                      5 Euro \n\n\n\nInfants 0-3:                                    Free \n\n\n\nOverview \n\n\n\nDuration:                                       1.15 hrs \n\n\n\nGroup Size:                                   Maximum 25 people per tour \n\n\n\nMeeting Points \n\n\n\n\nWalk One: Stories by the Sea – Guided Walk on Stories of Irish Changemakers in History\n\n\n\n\nBegin and end indoors at Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Dublin\, A96V9P1 \n\n\n\n\nWalk Two: Art by the Sea – Stories of Irish Artists\, Writers and Visionaries \n\n\n\n\nBegin and end indoors at Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Dublin\, A96V9P1 \n\n\n\n\nWalk Three: Walking Through Women’s History 1916–1923 –  Guided Walk through Rathmines and Ranelagh featuring stories of Irish women in history\n\n\n\n\nMeeting Point:  Outside Swan Leisure Centre\, Rathmines Square\, 161 Rathmines Road Lower\, Dublin\, D06 E6P3\, and ending at the Holy Trinity Church\, Rathmines.   \n\n\n\nWhat’s included \n\n\n\n\nFully guided walking tour by experienced local guides.\n\n\n\nFascinating stories\, interesting information and fun facts\n\n\n\nStunning coastal views\n\n\n\nStories of History\, Folklore\, Changemakers and Artists\n\n\n\nInformation on Local bars and restaurants\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nCheck-in details: Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in\, we aim to depart promptly from the designated departure point.  \n\n\n\nSpecial Requirements:  We aim to tour in all weathers so please wear appropriate clothing.  Moderate fitness is required as the tour includes some small tracks and uneven footing. Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult. As this is an outdoor walking tour there are limited access to bathrooms.  \n\n\n\nAccessibility: The tour is open to all. We endeavour to make the tours wheelchair accessible. Due to the historic areas on the tour\, wheelchairs\, buggys\, and pushchairs may be limited in some places.  Moderate fitness required due to the nature walk as it includes walking and uneven ground in places. Limited bathroom access whilst on the tour. \n\n\n\nDisclaimer: Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and all associated partners and personnel accept no responsibility for any injury\, loss\, damage\, accident\, or other incident arising during or in connection with participation in any company events either indoor or outdoor including the walking trails. Participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health\, safety\, clothing\, footwear\, and personal belongings. Participants should follow the guidance of tour facilitators and be aware that outdoor conditions and terrain may be uneven\, wet\, slippery\, or otherwise challenging. \n\n\n\nCancellations \n\n\n\nWhilst we aim to do the tour in all weather\, tour may be restricted or cancelled in certain weather conditions. Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24-hoursnotice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/stories-by-the-sea-guided-walk-on-stories-of-irish-changemakers-in-history/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Walking Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://smashingtimes.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Stories-by-the-sea.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality":MAILTO:info@smashingtimes.ie
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261010T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261010T140000
DTSTAMP:20260925T145007Z
CREATED:20260831T150328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T145007Z
UID:10000717-1791622800-1791640800@smashingtimes.ie
SUMMARY:The Weight of Return – Multidisciplinary Art Piece featuring Installation and Live Monologue Performance
DESCRIPTION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\nThe work commemorates approximately 120\,000 internally displaced people in the highlands of West Papua and uses art to explore displacement\, conflict\, cultural identity and the struggle to return home. Presented by Costan Fakrian Raharusun\, Artist and Teacher and Samuel Yohanes Glenn\, Artist and Cultural Craftsman. \n\n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\nAdmission free\, no booking necessary \n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nCostan Fakrian Raharusun\, Artist and Teacher \n\n\n\nSamuel Yohanes Glenn\, Artist \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nPeace Bridges International and Udeido Collective present this multidisciplinary art piece featuring an installation and live monologue performance as part of the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival. The installation and monologue commemorate the 120\,000 internally displaced people in the highlands of West Papua. They have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict between the independence movement and Indonesian government. The government does not allow humanitarian aid into the region and has refused to engage in peace talks. These international displace people have no clean water\, no food\, no shelter\, no healthcare\, no education and many have died while waiting to return home. \n\n\n\nThe installation is freely available to view on Saturday 10 October 2026\, from 9am-2pm\, with the live monologue performance taking place at 12pm. \n\n\n\nThis event is presented by Peace Bridges International and the Udeido Collective \n\n\n\nUdeido Collective was founded in Yogyakarta in 2018 as a platform for young artists from across Papua to initiate an artistic movement in their homeland. Udeido Collective’s works visually articulate the situation of the West Papuan people. Their practice touches on the use of conceptual elements from socio-cultural construction that exist in their own society. Reconstruction of these elements is placed as a method for analysing and discussing social issues within society caused by prolonged social-political conflict.  Udeido takes its name from the ude leaf\, which is used on the island to treat wounds\, and aims to heal and reconstruct the collective memory of the Papuan people. \n\n\n\nHuman rights defenders are at the heart of all we do at Peace Bridges International.  We provide protection\, support and recognition to local human rights defenders who work in areas of repression and conflict and have requested our support.  We believe that lasting transformation of conflicts cannot come from outside\, but must be based on the capacity and desires of local people. We avoid imposing\, interfering or getting directly involved in the work of the people we accompany. Our work is effective because we take an integrated approach\, combining a presence alongside human rights defenders on the ground with an extensive network of international support. \n\n\n\nFounded in 1981\, PBI has many years of experience working alongside human rights defenders\, opening and protecting space for peace\, conflict transformation and the defence of human rights in 14 countries. We are a life-saving international presence in areas of conflict and repression\, and a powerful global advocacy network protecting those on the ground. We have worked in Nicaragua\, El Salvador\, Sri Lanka\, North America\, Haiti\, Nepal and the Balkans as well as our current field projects in Colombia\, Guatemala\, Honduras\, Indonesia\, Kenya\, Mexico and Nepal. \n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies:\n\n\n\n\n\nCostan Fakrian Raharusun is an artist and teacher\, working a lot with painting\, sculpture\, installations and also theatrical production. He is also an art teacher who challenges the national education system by stressing the importance of indigenous knowledge. To support the preservation of West Papuan art and culture\, he is introducing Mambesak\, Black Brothers\, senior West Papuan artists\, etc in his teaching curriculum. Through his art\, he depicts the current situation experienced by West Papuan’s\, from present injustice to preservation of culture and identity. He is part of the West Papuan art collective\, Udeido Collective and one of the founders of Labirin Art\, an art collective in Fakfak. \n\n\n\nSamuel Yohanes Glenn is active in refining and revisiting the “sounds of Papua” that breathes life into his work. ‘Amidst the wave of modernization\, I have taken on a crucial role as a craftsman and preserver of Papuan cultural artifacts—objects that might be fading from the interest of my generation\, but find their soul once again in my hands. I am not merely making art; I am preserving memories and keeping the spirit of Papua alive\, even when I am far from home.’ \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/the-weight-of-return/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Installation,Multidisciplinary,Performance
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261009T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20261009T210000
DTSTAMP:20261009T104906Z
CREATED:20260914T101022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T104906Z
UID:10000721-1791572400-1791579600@smashingtimes.ie
SUMMARY:Launch of the Eighth Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival 2026
DESCRIPTION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nBarry Ward\, TD\, Dunlaoghaire-Rathdown \n\n\n\nRichard Boyd Barrett\, TD\, Dunlaoghaire-Rathdown \n\n\n\nMary Moynihan\, Writer\, Poet and Creator of Art and Photography; Artistic Director\, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality; Arts Curator\, Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival. Role on the night: Artist Talk and Poetry Reading \n\n\n\nAlan Glasgow\, CEO\, Front Line Defenders. Role on the Night: Guest Speaker \n\n\n\nHina Khan\, Visual Artist and Artist from Voices of Peace. Role on the Night: Guest Speaker \n\n\n\nCiara Hayes\, Producer\, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality. Role on the night: Performance of a monologue from Memorial Monologues: The Path of Memory by Mary Moynihan \n\n\n\nBrendan Heade\, actor. Role on the Night: Guest Performer \n\n\n\nAndy Johnson\, actor. Role on the Night: Guest Performer \n\n\n\nÉanna Ó Brádagh.  Role on the night: MC \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nSmashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, Front Line Defenders and a range of partners are delighted to invite you to the opening reception and launch of the eight annual International Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival on Friday 9 October\, 7 to 9pm\, at 30 Sandycove Road\, Dublin A96V9P1. \n\n\n\nThe Irish annual international Arts and Human Rights festival is launched by key note speaker Barry Ward\, Teachta Dála (TD) for Dún Laoghaire. Our full line-up of guest speakers on the night are Alan Glasgow\, CEO\, Front Line Defenders; Hina Khan\, visual artist and Mary Moynihan\, writer\, poet\,  creator of art and photography\, and Artistic Director\, Smashing Times. Mary will do an artist talk and poetry reading. Enjoy a live performance of a monologue from Memorial Monologues: The Path of Memory Part II by Mary Moynihan\, performed by Ciara Hayes\, directed by Dr Eric Weitz; and live monologue performances by artists Brendan Heade and Andy Johnson\, in association with WALK\, supporting people with intellectual disabilities. \n\n\n\nIn addition to launching the annual international Irish Arts and Human Rights festival\, we are launching Voices of Peace\, a multidisciplinary exhibition supported by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council through the dlr Universal Grant Scheme\, reflecting on peace and human rights.  The launch culminates in refreshments and chat. \n\n\n\nThe annual international Irish Arts and Human Rights festival is presented by Smashing Times and Front Line Defenders\, and a range of partners\, from 9 to 18 October 2026\, with a range of events promoting equality\, human rights and diversity through the arts\, across Ireland and online. The festival showcases the extraordinary work of human rights defenders in Ireland and around the world\, past and present\, and the role of the arts and artists in promoting human rights today.   \n\n\n\nMemorial Monologues: The Path of Memory Live Performance \n\n\n\nThe evening features a live monologue performance from Memorial Monologues: The Path of Memory Part II by Mary Moynihan\, presented by Smashing times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and Front Line Defenders\, performed by Ciara Hayes\, directed by Dr Eric Weitz.  Memorial Monologues: The Path of Memory Parts I and II were commissioned by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and Frontline Defenders\, and written by Mary Moynihan. The full play is adapted from the words of nine brave and inspirational human rights defenders from around the world who were murdered because of their peaceful work defending the rights of others.   \n\n\n\nMonologue Performances \n\n\n\nBrendan Heade and Andy Johnson will each perform a monologue that encapsulates the spirit of the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival. \n\n\n\nBrendan Heade will be performing a powerful piece from Scent of a Woman\, originally performed by Al Pacino\, exploring the theme of Justice. The scene highlights the importance of standing up for what is right\, finding your voice\, and having the courage to speak out when faced with injustice. Through this performance\, Brendan brings his passion for acting to life while exploring the powerful themes of integrity\, equality and justice. \n\n\n\nAndy Johnson is a Dublin-based actor with a passion for acting and performing. He has experience working in television\, including multiple appearances on RTÉ’s Fair City and an appearance in Witness No. 3 for Story Films and Channel 5. He has also taken part in television productions including Name That Tune\, Beat Shazam and Don’t Forget the Lyrics!. Andy started his acting training at Liberties College\, where he completed a Drama Foundation course. He then continued his training at the Gaiety School of Acting\, completing three Acting for Camera courses. In 2026\, he also completed Noel Brady’s Intensive Acting Showreel Course with Phoenix Artz Media. Andy has a strong interest in accents and voice work. His accents include Ulster English\, Cockney\, Scouse\, Scottish\, Spanish-accented English\, Modern California\, New York and Southern American. He also speaks Spanish. Andy is passionate about continuing to develop his acting skills and gaining more experience in film and television. His dream is to build a professional acting career\, work in film and television\, and inspire others to follow their own dreams and believe in what they can achieve. \n\n\n\nVoices of Peace Multidisciplinary Exhibition \n\n\n\nAudiences have the opportunity to view the Voices of Peace multidisciplinary exhibition featuring visual art\, photography\, poetry\, film and storytelling\, and reflecting on peace and human rights.  A series of powerful artworks are on display\, created in response to the theme of peace and human rights. The commissioned artists are Jessica Rodrigues\, Visual Artist; Gillian Lambe\, Visual Artist; Hina Khan\, Visual Artist\, Féilim James\, writer; Viktoriia Yevsiukova\, Visual Artist; and Mary Moynihan\, writer\, poet and creator of art and photography. The exhibition is presented as part of the Smashing Times Artist Development Programme and runs at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Dublin A96V9P1\, from Wednesday 23 September to Sunday 29 November 2026\, Wednesday to Sunday 1-6pm daily. This exhibition is co-funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council through the dlr Universal Grant Scheme. \n\n\n\nKeynote Speaker: Barry Ward\, Teachta Dála (TD) for Dún Laoghaire. Fine Gael. \n\n\n\nBarry was elected as a member of Dáil Éireann in November 2024. Prior to that\, Barry served as a Senator\, and was Seanad spokesperson on Justice. A practicing barrister\, Barry is originally from Deansgrange. He was first elected to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in 2009\, representing the Blackrock Ward\, which also includes Booterstown\, Deansgrange\, Foxrock\, Monkstown and Stillorgan. Barry also served as Leader of the Fine Gael group on the Council. In 2020\, he was elected to the Industrial and Commercial Panel of the Seanad\, having stood in that year’s general election in the Dún Laoghaire constituency. \n\n\n\nOn the Council\, Barry worked tirelessly on various local issues including parks\, recycling\, public transport and cycling infrastructure\, climate action\, coastal issues and supporting local businesses. In the Seanad\, he has championed criminal justice reform\, and has a particular interest in education\, foreign affairs\, the environment and promoting the Irish language – ár dteanga náisiúnta. \n\n\n\nA sailor\, Barry has been vocal in his support for the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI\, and speaks frequently about water safety and the need for the improvement of water quality in Dublin Bay. He is a member of the Oireachtas committees on Justice\, An Ghaeilge\, and Members’ Interests\, and is also an Irish Co-Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). \n\n\n\nBarry has fought hard for gender and marriage equality and is a strong advocate for change. He is a leading voice in local campaigns\, such as the Sutton to Sandycove (S2S) Coastal Promenade and locating a new permanent home for Gaelscoil Laighean in Blackrock as well as providing strong contributions to discussions on ongoing international events in occupied Palestine\, Taiwan\, Hong Kong and Belarus\, even adopting a Belarusian political prisoner. \n\n\n\nIn his spare time\, Barry enjoys walks with his cocker spaniel\, Ruby\, on Dún Laoghaire Pier\, on Killiney Hill and in Cabinteely Park. He speaks Irish and French\, and hosts the Irish Legislation Podcast. \n\n\n\nOn the Council\, Barry worked tirelessly on various local issues including parks\, recycling\, public transport and cycling infrastructure\, climate action\, coastal issues and supporting local businesses. In the Seanad\, he has championed criminal justice reform\, and has a particular interest in education\, foreign affairs\, the environment and promoting the Irish language – ár dteanga náisiúnta. \n\n\n\nGuest Speaker: Richard Boyd Barrett\, TD\, Dún Laoghaire \n\n\n\nRichard Boyd Barrett (born 6 February 1967) is an Irish People Before Profit–Solidarity politician who has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Dún Laoghaire constituency since the 2011 general election. Boyd Barrett was previously a member of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council. He is also chair of the Irish Anti-War Movement\, and has been cited on war issues in the Irish media. \n\n\n\nPartner Organisations for Launch \n\n\n\nWALK is a unique association supporting people with intellectual disabilities and / or autism to discover their career and employment ambitions in life. WALK supports people with intellectual disabilities to have the right to work on an equal basis with others\, the right to live independently and be included in the community\, the right to an education and the right to take part on an equal basis with others in the cultural life of a community. \n\n\n\nFront Line Defenders (FLD) is an international human rights organisation founded in Dublin in 2001\, with the specific aim of protecting human rights defenders at risk (HRDs). FLD works to improve the security and protection of human rights defenders and organisations around the world at risk for their peaceful and legitimate human rights work. As identified by human rights defenders themselves\, FLD responds to protection and security needs by providing support through grants\, capacity building\, visibility\, networking\, and advocacy\, at the international\, regional and local levels. Front Line Defenders has been awarded the 2018 United Nations Human Rights Prize. Front Line Defenders maintains its headquarters in Dublin\, an EU Office in Brussels\, and regionally-based field staff in the Americas\, Asia\, Africa\, Europe & Central Asia\, and the Middle East. \n\n\n\nCongratulations to the 2026 Front Line Defenders Annual Award Winners \n\n\n\nOn behalf of the Irish Arts and Human Rights festival\, Smashing Times pay tribute to the Human Rights Defenders to be honoured in 2026 at the Front Line Defenders Annual Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk.  Each year Front Line Defenders announces the five winners of its top distinction\, the Front Line Defenders Annual Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk. The award was established in 2005 to honour the work of human rights defenders (HRDs) who are courageously making outstanding contributions to the promotion and protection of the human rights of others\, often at great personal risk to themselves. \n\n\n\nThe Award focuses international attention on the work and struggles of HRDs\, providing a greater national and international platform to speak about and advocate for the human rights issues they are defending.  \n\n\n\nLaureates are selected from among scores of candidates who are put forward in a secure\, public nomination process carried out towards the end of each year and Award winners are announced on the day of the Award Ceremony in Dublin the following year. Laureates receive a modest financial prize\, a protection grant  and support from Front Line Defenders teams on digital and physical security\, advocacy\, visibility\, well-being and more. More information here \n\n\n\n“These laureates are rays of light in some very dark situations of repression\, discrimination and detention. Their steadfast commitment to human rights provides the solutions we need to bring humanity back from the brink\, and to create a better\, more just world. Governments must begin to see human rights defenders\, not as a threat to their grasp on power\, but as positive changemakers who can improve societies and defend the human rights of their citizens.” Alan Glasgow\, Executive Director\, 2024\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBarry was elected as a member of Dáil Éireann in November 2024. Prior to that\, Barry served as a Senator\, and was Seanad spokesperson on Justice. A practicing barrister\, Barry is originally from Deansgrange. He was first elected to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in 2009\, representing the Blackrock Ward\, which also includes Booterstown\, Deansgrange\, Foxrock\, Monkstown and Stillorgan. Barry also served as Leader of the Fine Gael group on the Council. In 2020\, he was elected to the Industrial and Commercial Panel of the Seanad\, having stood in that year’s general election in the Dún Laoghaire constituency. \n\n\n\nOn the Council\, Barry worked tirelessly on various local issues including parks\, recycling\, public transport and cycling infrastructure\, climate action\, coastal issues and supporting local businesses. In the Seanad\, he has championed criminal justice reform\, and has a particular interest in education\, foreign affairs\, the environment and promoting the Irish language – ár dteanga náisiúnta. \n\n\n\nA sailor\, Barry has been vocal in his support for the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI\, and speaks frequently about water safety and the need for the improvement of water quality in Dublin Bay. He is a member of the Oireachtas committees on Justice\, An Ghaeilge\, and Members’ Interests\, and is also an Irish Co-Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). \n\n\n\nBarry has fought hard for gender and marriage equality and is a strong advocate for change. He is a leading voice in local campaigns\, such as the Sutton to Sandycove (S2S) Coastal Promenade and locating a new permanent home for Gaelscoil Laighean in Blackrock as well as providing strong contributions to discussions on ongoing international events in occupied Palestine\, Taiwan\, Hong Kong and Belarus\, even adopting a Belarusian political prisoner. \n\n\n\nIn his spare time\, Barry enjoys walks with his cocker spaniel\, Ruby\, on Dún Laoghaire Pier\, on Killiney Hill and in Cabinteely Park. He speaks Irish and French\, and hosts the Irish Legislation Podcast. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRichard Boyd Barrett (born 6 February 1967) is an Irish People Before Profit–Solidarity politician who has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Dún Laoghaire constituency since the 2011 general election. Boyd Barrett was previously a member of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council. He is also chair of the Irish Anti-War Movement\, and has been cited on war issues in the Irish media. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlan Glasgow has worked for 25 years in development\, humanitarian\, and human rights contexts. He joined as CEO of Front Line Defenders in May 2024\, from the position of Regional Director for Asia and Europe with the Washington based Aid Agency\, Mercy Corps. Prior to this he served as Mercy Corps’ European Migration Director. \n\n\n\nAlan has also worked with the International Rescue Committee in New York and as Country Director in Sierra Leone\, and with GOAL as Country Director in Kenya\, South Sudan and Sudan\, and Director of Global Business Development. \n\n\n\nAlan’s leadership experience has focused on work at the frontlines of the world’s most challenging human rights environments\, including Afghanistan\, Gaza\, Liberia\, Myanmar\, Sierra Leone\, South Sudan\, Sudan\, Syria\, Ukraine and Yemen. His career has demonstrated a profound commitment to the rights of the marginalized and his work has been underpinned by a belief in the principles of human rights. \n\n\n\nAlan holds a Master’s Degree from UCD in addition to professional training with Columbia and Harvard Universities. He lives in Dublin. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMary Moynihan\, MA\, she/her\, is an award-winning 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 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 Dublin Arts and Human Rights festival. Mary has an honours BA in Drama and Theatre Studies from Trinity College Dublin and an honours Masters in Film Production from TU Dublin. \n\n\n\nAfter raising four children\, now  adults\, Mary dedicated her time to becoming a writer. She writes fiction for young people and adults featuring stories of courage\, laughter\, tragedy\, happiness\, love\, death and action-packed adventures. Mary pens a series of articles titled Creative Reflections on Arts\, Creativity\, Leadership and Self-Esteem which appear in the Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality newsletter and on Mary’s website marymoynihan.ie \n\n\n\nIn her free time Mary loves to spend time with her four adult children and hang out with friends.  She swims in the sea all year round. She loves the ocean\, sky and moon and has a spiritual connection to the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea\, to the environs of Dublin bay and to the mystical landscapes of Valentia Island and the surrounding Iveragh peninsula in County Kerry\, her spiritual home. She is a big fan of the Dublin Gaelic football and hurling teams. \n\n\n\nSmashing Times \n\n\n\nMary is Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality working collaboratively with artists and over fifty organisations across Ireland\, Northern Ireland\, Europe and internationally\, using the arts to promote rights and values for all. Company patrons are Sabina Higgins; Joan Freeman\, founder of Pieta House; Ger Ryan\, actor and Tim Pat Coogan\, writer and historian. Founding patrons were writers Maeve Binchy and Brian Friel. \n\n\n\nArts and Human Rights Festival \n\n\n\nMary is Artistic Curator for the annual\, international Dublin Arts and Human Rights festival implemented by Smashing Times and Front Line Defenders with Amnesty International\, Fighting Words\, ICCL\, NWCI\, Irish Modern Dance Theatre\, Trócaire\, Poetry Ireland and Irish Pen\, and funded by The Arts Council. The festival highlights the extraordinary work of human rights defenders in Ireland and around the world\, past and present\, and the role of the arts and artists in promoting human rights today. \n\n\n\nAwards \n\n\n\nMary’s work has won a number of awards\, including the Allianz Business to Arts Special Judges DAA Arts Award at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre\, the international and prestigious #ArtsAgainstCovid award from the Arts in Health International Foundation and an Arts Council Agility Award. Mary was awarded a Project Award from The Arts Council to write a new work with a range of collaborators titled The Feeling Soul\, inspired by stories of women poets from ancient and modern Ireland.    \n\n\n\nMary is the author of the epic spoken word poem  ‘Ode to a Coolock Queen’’\, written from a female perspective and exploring identity\, gender\, violence\, passion\, self-destruction and possible redemption. An attempt as Sylvia Plath says  ‘to be true to my own weirdnesses’. It is an oral storytelling narrative that is about a broader reflection on what it is to be born out of a working class environment.  This poem is in homage to all people from working-class communities who find their strength and become their own kings and queens like warriors from an ancient past. \n\n\n\nAs a playwright\, Mary’s work includes the highly acclaimed The Woman is Present: Women’s Stories of WWII co-written with Paul Kennedy\, Fiona Thompson and Féilim James;  Tales of Love and Loss featuring two monologues selected by President Michael D Higgins for performance at Áras an Uachtaráin\, Constance and Her Friends and Grace and Joe for performance in 2023; In One Breath from the award-winning Testimonies(co-written with Paul Kennedy); Shadow of My Soul and May Our Faces Haunt You. \n\n\n\nMary’s film work includes the hour-long documentary Stories From the Shadows (co-directed with Mark Quinn); the short film Tell Them Our Names\,  (directed by Mary\, co-written with Paul Kennedy) inspired by women’s stories of WWII and selected for the London Eye International Film Festival and Kerry Film Festival; the creative documentary Women in an Equal Europe; the short film Courageous Women\, inspired by powerful women’s stories from the 1916 to 1923 decade of commemorations period in Irish history; In Time\, a poem-film created in response to the changing landscape of our world today in a time of pandemic (written by Mary Moynihan\, co-directed with Mark Quinn); and The Shoah: A Survivor’s Memory – The World’s Legacy\, adapted from the writings of French woman Simone Veil (1927-2017)\, a French lawyer\, politician and feminist\, Holocaust survivor and first female President of the European Parliament. \n\n\n\nMary has a focus on using historical memory in her artistic practice as inspiration for the creation of original artworks. A number of her writings highlight stories of ordinary yet extraordinary women who stood up for the rights of others with a focus on the Holocaust\, WWII and the revolutionary period in Irish history. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrendan Heade will be performing a powerful piece from Scent of a Woman\, originally performed by Al Pacino\, exploring the theme of Justice. The scene highlights the importance of standing up for what is right\, finding your voice\, and having the courage to speak out when faced with injustice. Through this performance\, Brendan brings his passion for acting to life while exploring the powerful themes of integrity\, equality and justice. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAndy Johnson is a Dublin-based actor with a passion for acting and performing. He has experience working in television\, including multiple appearances on RTÉ’s Fair City and an appearance in Witness No. 3 for Story Films and Channel 5. He has also taken part in television productions including Name That Tune\, Beat Shazam and Don’t Forget the Lyrics!. Andy started his acting training at Liberties College\, where he completed a Drama Foundation course. He then continued his training at the Gaiety School of Acting\, completing three Acting for Camera courses. In 2026\, he also completed Noel Brady’s Intensive Acting Showreel Course with Phoenix Artz Media. Andy has a strong interest in accents and voice work. His accents include Ulster English\, Cockney\, Scouse\, Scottish\, Spanish-accented English\, Modern California\, New York and Southern American. He also speaks Spanish. Andy is passionate about continuing to develop his acting skills and gaining more experience in film and television. His dream is to build a professional acting career\, work in film and television\, and inspire others to follow their own dreams and believe in what they can achieve. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBorn in Montpellier\, France\, to a Belgian father and an English mother\, Sebastien Luthers’ family moved to Leitrim when he was six years old. He started learning the whistle at around age six or seven and later progressed to the fiddle\, with Michael Clancy in Leitrim\, the man known as ‘the man of a thousand reels’.From those beginnings\, Sebastien’s love of music has blossomed. He currently teaches French and English in Wilson’s Hospital School as well as promoting extra-curricular music participation for students\, and is founder of Franco-Hibernian folk group CAS.Sebastien’s album\, The Lost Violin\, is a collection of tunes he wrote over the last 20 years inspired by the landscape of Leitrim and the Auvergne volcanic peaks\, where he lived and toured with a Celtic rock band Oubert . The name of the album relates to a custom-made instrument by renowned fiddle maker and All-Ireland champion Jim McKillop. It was stolen from Sebastien in Barcelona in 2013\, and serendipitously found and returned to him over 10 years later.The Lost Violin is for sale on Bandcamp and selected outlets\, along with his band CAS’ debut album\, Tonnta na Maidine\, which was released on tour in the UK\, Ireland and France during summer 2026. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCiara Hayes is a graduate of University College Cork with an MA in Arts Management and Creative Producing. She also holds a teaching diploma from the London College of Music in Drama and Communication\, and a BA Joint Hons in Drama and Theatre Studies with German. She has a background in theatre and worked for several years as a drama teacher\, later becoming a teacher of social skills for children on the autism spectrum.  \n\n\n\nSince completing her Masters in 2020\, Ciara has worked as a producer and festival administrator for Half Moon Festival (Cork\, 2020) and festival producer for Dublin Arts and Human Rights Festival (Dublin\, 2020 – present). She works at Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality as the festival producer\, and also works at UCC as a part-time lecturer on the MA Arts Management & Cultural Producing. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/launch-of-the-eighth-irish-arts-and-human-rights-festival-2026/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Launch,Performance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://smashingtimes.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IARHFestival-launch.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260918T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260918T180000
DTSTAMP:20260921T131846Z
CREATED:20260914T094559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T131846Z
UID:10000720-1789725600-1789754400@smashingtimes.ie
SUMMARY:Culture Night at Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery
DESCRIPTION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\nBook Your Place\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtists\n\n\n\nMary Moynihan\, Writer\, Poet and Creator of Art and Photography; Artistic Director\, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality; Arts Curator\, Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival \n\n\n\nFreda Manweiler\, Producer\, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, MC for the evening \n\n\n\nFull Event Details\n\n\n\nFrom the Forest to the Ocean is a powerful solo exhibition featuring the work of Irish artist Mary Moynihan. Bringing together photography\, poetry\, and film\, this multidisciplinary exhibition draws inspiration from the physical landscapes of nature and the deep interconnectedness of life — from forests to the ocean. \n\n\n\nConcept \n\n\n\nThe artworks map physical landscapes and seascapes to landscapes of the soul and are rooted in reflections on nature\, journeys of interconnectedness\, and the art of letting go\, exploring the boundaries between the natural world and the human spirit. The work creates a synergy between the evocative beauty and fragility of the photographic landscapes and seascapes of counties Dublin\, Wicklow\, Kerry\, and France\, combined with the emotional impact of poetical texts in written and in a poem-film format. \n\n\n\nInspirations \n\n\n\nMary Moynihan is a writer\, poet and creator of art and photography.  Mary’s work is rooted in reflections on nature and the interconnectedness of the human spirit and the natural world around us. Our personal well-being is inseparable from the well-being of our planet — on physical\, emotional\, spiritual\, and intuitive levels. Nature and creativity inspire us to look after ourselves\, each other\, and the planet we live on and to search for more sustainable ways of living.  Visitors are invited to step into a space of reflection and self-expression\, exploring the delicate boundaries between the natural world of landscapes and seascapes and the human spirit. The work evokes a gentle yet profound invitation: to breathe\, to reconnect with the rhythms of life and love\, and to re-wild both the landscape and the human soul. \n\n\n\nThis stunningly beautiful exhibition nurtures a dialogue between inner and outer worlds\, reminding us that nature\, creativity\, and humanity are deeply intertwined. The artworks linger in the mind and heart\, offering a lasting sense of connection and prompting reflection long after leaving the gallery. \n\n\n\nMary Moynihan (she/her) is an award-winning writer\, poet\, theatre and filmmaker and a creator of art and photography. Mary is Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, and Artistic Curator for the annual Dublin Arts and Human Rights festival.  \n\n\n\nArtist Talk for Culture Night\n\n\n\nMary Moynihan: Ancestral Voices and Human Rights – From the Forest to the Ocean \n\n\n\nGuided Exhibition Tour\, Artist Talk + Poetry Reading \n\n\n\nFriday 18 September\, 4-5pm \n\n\n\nSmashing Times Visual Art Gallery and Centre for the Arts and Human Rights\, 30 Sandycove Road\, \n\n\n\nSandycove\, Dublin A96V9P1 \n\n\n\nAdmission Free. No booking required.  \n\n\n\nJoin us for an engaging guided tour\, artist talk and poetry reading exploring the imagery and stories behind the extraordinary exhibition From the Forest to the Ocean. Hear the stories embedded within the exhibition and reflect on nature\, spirituality and peace. Artist Mary Moynihan shares insights into her creative journey as audiences gain a deeper understanding of how the work evolves and responds to contemporary contexts.  This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artist\, ask questions\, and connect with the work on display.  Interwoven throughout the talk\, the artist presents live readings of her original poetry offering a poetical reflection on nature\, spirituality and our shared responsibility to care for one another and the earth. the Forest to the Ocean is a multidisciplinary installation drawing inspiration from the physical landscapes and seascapes of nature and the deep interconnectedness of life — from forests to the ocean. \n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMary Moynihan\, MA\, she/her\, is an award-winning 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 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 Dublin Arts and Human Rights festival. Mary has an honours BA in Drama and Theatre Studies from Trinity College Dublin and an honours Masters in Film Production from TU Dublin. \n\n\n\nAfter raising four children\, now  adults\, Mary dedicated her time to becoming a writer. She writes fiction for young people and adults featuring stories of courage\, laughter\, tragedy\, happiness\, love\, death and action-packed adventures. Mary pens a series of articles titled Creative Reflections on Arts\, Creativity\, Leadership and Self-Esteem which appear in the Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality newsletter and on Mary’s website marymoynihan.ie \n\n\n\nIn her free time Mary loves to spend time with her four adult children and hang out with friends.  She swims in the sea all year round. She loves the ocean\, sky and moon and has a spiritual connection to the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea\, to the environs of Dublin bay and to the mystical landscapes of Valentia Island and the surrounding Iveragh peninsula in County Kerry\, her spiritual home. She is a big fan of the Dublin Gaelic football and hurling teams. \n\n\n\nSmashing Times \n\n\n\nMary is Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality working collaboratively with artists and over fifty organisations across Ireland\, Northern Ireland\, Europe and internationally\, using the arts to promote rights and values for all. Company patrons are Sabina Higgins; Joan Freeman\, founder of Pieta House; Ger Ryan\, actor and Tim Pat Coogan\, writer and historian. Founding patrons were writers Maeve Binchy and Brian Friel. \n\n\n\nArts and Human Rights Festival \n\n\n\nMary is Artistic Curator for the annual\, international Dublin Arts and Human Rights festival implemented by Smashing Times and Front Line Defenders with Amnesty International\, Fighting Words\, ICCL\, NWCI\, Irish Modern Dance Theatre\, Trócaire\, Poetry Ireland and Irish Pen\, and funded by The Arts Council. The festival highlights the extraordinary work of human rights defenders in Ireland and around the world\, past and present\, and the role of the arts and artists in promoting human rights today. \n\n\n\nAwards \n\n\n\nMary’s work has won a number of awards\, including the Allianz Business to Arts Special Judges DAA Arts Award at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre\, the international and prestigious #ArtsAgainstCovid award from the Arts in Health International Foundation and an Arts Council Agility Award. Mary was awarded a Project Award from The Arts Council to write a new work with a range of collaborators titled The Feeling Soul\, inspired by stories of women poets from ancient and modern Ireland.    \n\n\n\nMary is the author of the epic spoken word poem  ‘Ode to a Coolock Queen’’\, written from a female perspective and exploring identity\, gender\, violence\, passion\, self-destruction and possible redemption. An attempt as Sylvia Plath says  ‘to be true to my own weirdnesses’. It is an oral storytelling narrative that is about a broader reflection on what it is to be born out of a working class environment.  This poem is in homage to all people from working-class communities who find their strength and become their own kings and queens like warriors from an ancient past. \n\n\n\nAs a playwright\, Mary’s work includes the highly acclaimed The Woman is Present: Women’s Stories of WWII co-written with Paul Kennedy\, Fiona Thompson and Féilim James;  Tales of Love and Loss featuring two monologues selected by President Michael D Higgins for performance at Áras an Uachtaráin\, Constance and Her Friends and Grace and Joe for performance in 2023; In One Breath from the award-winning Testimonies(co-written with Paul Kennedy); Shadow of My Soul and May Our Faces Haunt You. \n\n\n\nMary’s film work includes the hour-long documentary Stories From the Shadows (co-directed with Mark Quinn); the short film Tell Them Our Names\,  (directed by Mary\, co-written with Paul Kennedy) inspired by women’s stories of WWII and selected for the London Eye International Film Festival and Kerry Film Festival; the creative documentary Women in an Equal Europe; the short film Courageous Women\, inspired by powerful women’s stories from the 1916 to 1923 decade of commemorations period in Irish history; In Time\, a poem-film created in response to the changing landscape of our world today in a time of pandemic (written by Mary Moynihan\, co-directed with Mark Quinn); and The Shoah: A Survivor’s Memory – The World’s Legacy\, adapted from the writings of French woman Simone Veil (1927-2017)\, a French lawyer\, politician and feminist\, Holocaust survivor and first female President of the European Parliament. \n\n\n\nMary has a focus on using historical memory in her artistic practice as inspiration for the creation of original artworks. A number of her writings highlight stories of ordinary yet extraordinary women who stood up for the rights of others with a focus on the Holocaust\, WWII and the revolutionary period in Irish history. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nOrganisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Information:
URL:https://smashingtimes.ie/event/culture-night-at-smashing-times-visual-art-gallery/
LOCATION:Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1\, 30 Sandycove Road\, Sandycove\, Dublin\, A96V9P1
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://smashingtimes.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Escape.-Image-by-Mary-Moynihan-2023.-Yeats-Sisters-HEIC.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality":MAILTO:info@smashingtimes.ie
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