Welcoming our new Writer in Residence
At the start of the month, we welcomed our new Writer in Residence, Aoibh Johnson.
Aoibh Johnson is a playwright, poet, theatre maker and copywriter from County Tyrone. She has been touring her production The Daughters of Róisín for the last two years and works extensively with artists, marginalised groups and local community organisations using creativity, performance and the power of writing to explore contemporary and historical issues.
For the next four months Aoibh will be working in collaboration with the Duncairn to connect with the Duncairn's community, explore new writing and further develop her creative work.
We sat down with Aoibh this week to ask you about how she has been settling into her residency, and this is what she had to say.
“Ironically, I think it’s hard to put into words what this opportunity and being part of this thriving arts community truly means to me. Working as a writer can feel lonely at times and can be quite an isolating pursuit. It’s truly inspiring to be welcomed so warmly by the Duncairn team, be surrounded by creative, wonderful people every day and have the unwavering support of Ray and Debbie.
I wasn’t sure what direction my writing would go while in residency, and I wanted to wait until I had settled in to unearth some of the Duncairn’s magic. Within my first week, I had already gained inspiration to work on a poetry collection to be released before Christmas this year. The collection is called, The Wind in My Hair, The Breath in My Lungs and includes work inspired by the women in my life, particularly my grandmother and my life as an artist from a rural community. Alongside the poetry, I have begun working on a number of illustrations which will accompany the work. Having the space to focus on my art, craft new writing and dive head-first into a project without limitations has been incredibly freeing.
I also will be working on my next play while I’m here and am excited about exploring the experience of women in Ireland. My work has always centred around women’s rights, equality, the experience of the women that have come before us and how that impacts our world now. I am currently reading Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women by Elaine Farrell and Leeanne McCormick and Through Her Eyes: A New History of Ireland in 21 Women by Clodagh Finn. Both books are inspiring an abundance of ideas for my new work and I’m excited about where this takes me.
The key thing for me about being in residency is the gratitude I feel to be given space to create. There’s an undeniable feeling of acceptance, creativity, community and equality at the Duncairn that is not only incredibly nurturing for young artists, but also allows for a balanced connection between art and the community it’s made for. I create my work to empower and be shared with others, and the Duncairn shares this ethos.
I cannot wait to see what the next few months bring.”
We’re excited to announce that Aoibh will be running a 6-week programme on Writing Creatively as part of our Autumn programme.
Keep an eye out to register, as information will be released in a few days.
To follow Aoibh on social media check her handles.
@weeyarnproductions
@aoibhjohnsoncreative
