Diary of the Theatre in Palm Residency in Ireland

From October 7-20, 2024, Smashing Times Theatre Company hosted five diverse participants—Emily McAlinden, Vassia Mentekidou, Kyle English, Sinead Crowley, and John Scally—at the Theatre in Palm Residency in Dublin. This international initiative brought together artists, performers, and activists for an intensive creative process centered around themes of equality, environmental sustainability, and human rights.

Week 1: Laying the Foundations

The residency began with an introduction by Carmen Ortiz Victorino, theatre director and staff member of Smashing Times,  on October 7 at The Lab, followed by rehearsals for Memorial Monologues, a performance honoring stories of resistance and resilience. Participants engaged in a rigorous rehearsal process, developing site-specific performances at The Ireland Institute and St. Enda’s Park from October 8-10.

During this time, they began developing a happening titled A&T, designed to complement our performance The Art of Trees. The goal was to stage the happening outside the Pearse Museum, St Enda’s park as a prelude to The Art of Trees. As part of the process, they explored themes of equality and environmental sustainability, shaping the piece through creative experimentation and discussion.

Week 2: Festival Preparation and Engagement

Participants were fully immersed in the Smashing Times Festival, assisting with set-up on October 11 and taking part in events such as People in Resistance (PIR) on October 12.

Key performances and events participants attended:

• October 14 (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): People in Resistance Exhibition at The Ireland Institute
  
  
• October 16 (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Film Screening of Guardians of the Land at  The Ireland Institute
  
  
• October 17 (7:00 PM – 10:30 PM): Open Mic Night at The Ireland Institute in collaboration with Frontline Defenders.
  
  

Week 3: Performances and Reflection

The final week was dedicated to key performances and artistic reflection, culminating in multiple site-specific performances and immersive experiences:

• October 18-20: A&T Happening performed 9 times before The Art of Trees showcase
  
  
• October 18-20: Memorial Monologues at the Iveagh Gardens (participants came and prepared the set, guided the audience, etc).
  
  
• October 20 (8:30 PM): Ar Snámh at The Ireland Institute
  
  

The Theatre in Palm Residency provided an invaluable space for artists to collaborate, innovate, and use theatre as a tool for change. Through performance and dialogue, participants explored new ways to amplify human rights narratives, making a lasting impact on audiences and fellow creators alike.