|
The Creative Me
When challenged to concoct some bedtime stories for her two young kids, Ann discovered a new talent – writing for children by just listening to, and copying their ideas (Sssh! Don’t tell them!). Her radio dramas, The Lonely Flower, The Adventures of the Stripy Pyjamas, Starboy, What about the Children and Mrs Tilly Tolly and the Boy who goes Bonkers, written and produced by Ann, were broadcast on RTE Jnr. Ann also likes to present stories through radio documentary. In recent years Ann has expanded into theatre, researching, co-writing and producing adult theatre productions. She has a grá for her native language and developed, produced and co-presented a weekly bilingual talk programme, Le Chéile, for Cork City Community Radio for over 2 years. She also presented Cork Matters on Irish Radio International and produced occasional features for them.
|
A number of feathers..... |
2019 was a great year of creativity and hard graft! Ann obtained funding from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland for her children's radio drama, Mrs. Tilly Tolly and the Boy who goes Bonkers. This was recorded at RTE studios in Cork with a professional cast (otherwise known as a hugely talented bunch!) directed by Judie Chalmers and edited by Rupert MacCarthy-Morrogh. Writing for children can be a humbling experience, so no time for Ann to relish in 'celebrity' status! She developed and delivered audio drama workshops to promote active listening skills. She is in the throes of developing an educational resource for Primary School Children based on radio drama. She co-wrote and produced her first adult theatre piece and adapted one of her dramas into a children's book, soon to be published. Lots of projects planned going forward but some a bit hush, hush at the moment! Watch this space....
|
In the beginning...
|
Ann began her creative journey as a poetry performer in the coffee houses of London. She first lured her poetry from a bottom drawer onto the stage of a well-known London acoustic music and poetry club, Ructions, run by the late troubadour, P. J. Fahy. She went on to co-found and run a weekly performance club, Thalia's and to facilitate poetry workshops for survivors of the mental health system. She discovered her love for radio when she presented and produced a biographical documentary for London’s Resonance FM. After 10 years in London, she returned to her native Cork, gained a distinction in BTEC Creative Media Production and the rest, as they say, is sonic history!
|