Meet the Artist: Aoibh Johnson

Allow us to share a brief interview with the amazing writer and theatre-maker Aoibh Johnson. In 2019, she founded Wee Yarn Production with Cahal Clarke. Their latest show, The Daughters of Róisin, will be coming to the Duncairn on the 8th of March, and it’s one you don’t want to miss!

Aoibh, how did you become a writer?

"I have wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember! When I was a teenager, I think that looked a little more like novel writing and working as an author, but as life moved and I opened my eyes to the possibilities, I discovered that writing was not limited to novels and there was a whole other host of paths that you can take that will bring you to full-time writing. I studied Drama and Theatre at university, and after that, I studied Feminist Protest Theatre for my Master's degree and writing was at the core of my practice and research. Throughout the years I have worked as a Drama facilitator, a producer, a theatre maker, and more recently a Copywriter, writing for businesses. What I love most about the path that I have taken, is that I have had the chance to explore writing in all of its forms, and celebrate it in its wholeness. Writing is such a limitless art form and I really want to celebrate that in everything I do." 

What inspires you most when writing?

"For creative writing, I am often pulled to lean into my passion for social change and activism. Writing, performing and creative arts have the power to encourage audiences to pause, reflect and think, in a way that traditional politics does not, and that is a big factor for me when creating. I also am fascinated with how we can use archival information and objects as well as the landscape to inform our writing. I'm always asking myself, "How can I write something that feels like this object?" or "How can this dialogue reflect Ireland's landscape?". Every project is different, but there's always something in our view to inspire some creativity." 

How does it feel to see your writing coming to life in theatres?

"It really is incredible to see your writing come to life onstage and experience the liveness of audience reception. My current show, The Daughters of Róisín is a one-woman show, which I also perform, which gives me an even richer experience when connecting with audience members. I wrote The Daughters of Róisín about the church and state-sanctioned abuse that unmarried mothers suffered in Ireland over the last 100 years. The show is inspired directly by the experience of my great-grandmother, and so it is truly a great honour to perform and bring it to the stage. Getting the chance to perform this writing on the Duncairn stage is even more special, as my great-grandmother lived on Eia street which isn't far from the venue. I think theatre brings life to writing in a way that no other form does. The ephemerality of the moment and the connection shared between the script, the actor and the audience is something incredibly special."

Aoibh will deliver a 6-week Introduction to Creative Writing course at the Duncairn starting the 26th of April. I asked her which skill(s) people need to join the course and which ones should they expect to develop.

"I am absolutely delighted to be delivering creative writing workshops at the Duncairn. I want the space to be one for self-expression, freedom to create and at the crux of it, joy and good fun. I wouldn't say that participants need any particular writing skills to join us, but what I would say, is that an excitement for writing, a keen interest in creativity and an open mind are necessary! I really want these workshops to reflect the ideas, passions and interests of those attending, and I cannot wait to see where that leads us. We'll be developing ideas on structure, how to find inspiration, and the varying styles, approaches and methods we can use to write well, but most importantly, we'll be creating a safe, open space for new ideas, questions and getting something down on paper. It's really all about giving people the space  and confidence to start." 

If writing is your thing, keep an eye on this website to register as information will be released in a few days.

To follow Aoibh on social media check her handles

@weeyarnproductions (our arts and theatre work)

@aoibhjohnsoncopywriting (copywriting work for businesses)

and her website www.aoibhjohnson.com