There’s Drama in the Air for Creative Elders

Cork County Council are inviting people from County Cork over the age of 55 to join writer Katie Holly to create a radio drama as part of a Creativity in Older Age project. Katie will support participants in producing the radio drama via workshops in County Library Headquarters on Carrigrohane Road every 2-3 weeks on Fridays from 2 to 4pm. Participants will develop, write and produce a series of episodes for radio while developing new skills and meeting likeminded people who share a love of storytelling. No previous writing experience is necessary.

Welcoming the launch of this latest creative project for Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Gillian Coughlan said,

“It’s been a tough couple of years, particularly for older people. Now it’s time to celebrate the wisdom, humour and creativity of our elders; by platforming their voices on the airwaves. I’m looking forward to connecting with participants’ experiences and storytelling – they might even let me have a cameo role!”

Katie Holly is a playwright from Charleville, Co Cork. An RTÉ recording of her play Sharon won Best Digital Drama at the New York Festivals Awards 2019. Her plays have featured in Cork Midsummer Festival Culture Night and Fit-up Theatre Festival.

Katie outlined the projects goals saying,

“It’s primarily a storytelling project, with participants writing or trying writing exercises from the very first session - There will be a chance for everyone’s ideas to be considered. People will then have a choice in whether or not they want to perform in the final recordings – or maybe they are more interested in learning about ‘behind the scenes’ e.g. anything from the sound effects used, to music chosen to accompany the drama, to directing the actors etc. There’s a place here for anyone interested in storytelling and developing their skills in this area; we all have a story to tell!”

This Creativity in Older Age project is supported by Cork County Council and Creative Ireland. Workshops will take place at County Library HQ, Cork County Hall. Anyone with additional access needs will be supported to participate. To book participation for free or for questions, call 021 4285995 or email arts@corkcoco.ie.