Arts & Human Rights with Smashing Times

On today's show, presenter Mary Moynihan is sharing news about the first-ever Kerry Arts and Human Rights Festival taking place on the 18 and 19 July 2026 in Cahersiveen and Valentia Island, county Kerry, along with details of two open calls for this year's annual International Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival taking place from the 9 to 18 October 2026. For details go to smashingtime...

Smashing Times Arts & Human Rights Radio Show on Dublin South FM 24 June + 1 July 2026, 6-7pm In Conversation: The Jewish Anti-Zionist Congress On today's programme, presenter Mary Moynihan is talking with four guests involved in the second Jewish Anti-Zionist Congress, taking place from the 26 to the 28 of June at the Maldron Hotel in Tallaght, Dublin  https://jazic.org/ . The congr...

The Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio show broadcast on Wednesday 27 May, 6-7pm (repeated Wednesday 3 June 2026, 6-7pm) and available as a podcast), features an interview with the award winning internationally recognised theatre practitioner, director, sociologist, and educator Frédérique Lecomte. Frédérique is the founder, CEO and artistic director of Théâtre et Réconciliation located in...

The Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio show broadcast on Wednesday 10 and 16 June 6-7pm (and available as a podcast) features a reflection by Mary Moynihan on war and peace. Global military spending now exceeds €3 trillion every year. Who benefits and where is the equivalent investment in peace? Instead of spending 1.7 billion on defence, should the Irish government spend this money o...

The Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio show broadcast on Wednesday 27 May, 6-7pm (repeated Wednesday 3 June 2026, 6-7pm) and available as a podcast), features an interview with the award winning internationally recognised theatre practitioner, director, sociologist, and educator Frédérique Lecomte. Frédérique is the founder, CEO and artistic director of Théâtre et Réconciliation located in...

Today’s show is dedicated to the art of dance in the context of arts and human rights. The show begins with a call by presenter Mary Moynihan for peace and non-violence across the world and for greater investment in international diplomacy, humanitarian action, accountability measures, and meaningful sanctions as a constructive path forward for peace and an end to funding for the arms industr...

The Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio Show, broadcast Wednesday 29 April and Wednesday 3 May, 6-7pm, is  presented by Mary Moynihan on Dublin South FM. On the show, we are launching a new occasional segment called Letters from Afar with Naoise: Irish Diaspora Diaries . Over the coming months, Naoise will be joining us from Australia, sharing stories from the Irish abroad, e...

On this week's show, guest artist interview is with Elizabeth Moynihan, a successful actor, writer and director. As a writer Elizabeth’s new play Happiness Then returns by popular demand for its third year. Elizabeth directed The Art of Trees by Mary Moynihan currently on tour in South Kerry with public performances at Tech Amergin, Waterville, County Kerry, on Friday 17 April 2026, 8pm (book...

In this episode, we reflect on the ‘No Kings’ demonstrations in the United States and the courage of the protesters who are standing up for human rights. Additionally, we provide a preview of "Tracey Emin: A Second Life", a new exhibition at Tate Modern in London running until August 2026.  Joining us for a powerful interview is Maeve Halpin, a counselling psychologist based in Rathmines...

In this episode, we discuss the powerful memoir ‘When Breath Becomes Air’ by Paul Kalanithi, reflecting on the interconnecting emotions of joy and grief as well as the ‘silent’ grief experienced by parents when their children decide to emigrate. Additionally, we provide a special acknowledgment to Transition Year Students at Firsthouse Community College for the wonderful presentation of their annu...

Mary reflects on the war in the Middle East, on Iranian artists speaking out for freedom, and on the urgent need to end war, authoritarianism and genocide. The programme also highlights upcoming Smashing Times exhibitions, performances and events, and celebrates International Women’s Day with features on new art and a powerful Magdalene Laundry installation. https://smashingtimes.ie/ https://dubli...

Chat and live music with Carol Scott, Peter Gallagher and Sebastien Luthers of CAS, a four-piece Celtic ensemble launching their new album "Tonnta na Maidine" on 9th April at The Cobblestone Pub, Dublin; and with Carli Jefferson and Clair Le Couteur from Lunatraktors, debuting their new show "TimeWeavers" at the Scene + Heard, at Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, 28th February, 2pm. Did you know the ar...

Mary explores the power of protest songs and the vital connection between music and activism. From Woody Guthrie and Aretha Franklin to Bruce Springsteen, Billy Bragg and the global legacy of Which Side Are You On, the programme traces how artists across generations and cultures use song to challenge injustice. Featuring music linked to recent protests in Iran and beyond, the episode reflects on c...

In an era of rising inequality, authoritarianism, and threats to democracy, this episode explores the growing call for artists to speak out. We delve into the enduring power of protest songs as tools of resistance, solidarity, and hope—addressing themes from environmental justice and women’s rights to labour struggles, anti-racism, and opposition to fascism. Music that challenges injustice can ins...

This episode features an in-depth interview with Dublin-based visual artist Stephen Doody. Working primarily in sculpture, Stephen’s practice is rooted in collaboration, community engagement, and environmental activism, bringing diverse groups together through workshops, education, and creative dialogue. The show also includes a special What’s On segment with recommendations for inspiring arts and...

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On this episode Mary speaks with Avril Murphy Allen, a visual artist and interior designer. In this vibrant and engaging conversation, Avril shares insights into her artistic practice, creative process, and sources of inspiration, along with practical tips for working as an artist today. Avril is one of eleven artists featured in Solstice Light: Art in Winter, a curated exhibition currently runnin...

Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio Show: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows and WAVE 4Ever, a powerful dance celebration by UMAKOKO This episode features reflections on The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig and interviews with dance artists Vithoria Escobar and Favour Oluwaseunla Odusola. Presenter Mary Moynihan explores Koenig’s poetic definitions of unnamed human emotions....

In this episode, Mary explores a wide range of stories from the world of arts and culture. Our featured guest is celebrated spoken‐word artist Emmet O’Brien, known for viral pieces like The North Side and Dirty Dublin. With acclaimed books, performances across Europe, and projects ranging from mental-health murals in Temple Bar to poetry workshops in Mountjoy Prison, Emmet brings a powerful and un...

Today’s episode delves into two compelling stories from the world of art and culture. First, we explore the recent theft of priceless crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris and discuss how monarchies use spectacle, wealth, and grandeur to sustain the illusion of royal power. We then celebrate the unveiling of a commemorative plaque for the late Deirdre O’Connell at the original Focus Theatre...

In this episode, Freda speaks with Rob Harrington, Director of Seo Chugainn na Mná — the Irish translation by award-winning writer Áine Ní Ghlinn of the acclaimed stage show The Woman is Present: Women’s Stories of WWII, which highlights the lives of two remarkable Irish women during the war. Freda also shares details of the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival, featuring upcoming events celebrati...

This week we shine a light on the 7th Annual Irish Arts & Human Rights Festival (Friday 10 – Sunday 19 October 2025). Mary shares a curated selection of the most compelling events you won’t want to miss. Our feature artist interview is with two Voices for Peace contributors: poet and short-story writer Shreya Gupta, and poet/essayist Rowan Tate. Join us as we explore their work, their inspirat...

This episode focuses on the launch of the programme for this year’s annual international Irish Arts and Human Rights festival which runs from the 10 to 19 October 2025, presented by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and Front Line Defenders. The aim of the festival is to celebrate and showcase the extraordinary work of human rights defenders in Ireland and around the wo...

In this episode, we discuss the launch of the new Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality in Sandycove, opening with the exhibition Landscapes of the Soul by Mary Moynihan. Our feature interview is with multidisciplinary artist Jessica Rodrigues , who shares insights into her fine art and custom tattoo practice, from dreamscapes to Studio Ghibli inspirations. Jessica’s work i...

In this episode, we sit down with Aoife McAtamney — musician, songwriter, and interdisciplinary artist — recently appointed as one of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s Musicians-in-Residence for 2025. Aoife shares her fascinating journey from contemporary dance to multidisciplinary performance, her work under the creative alias Daughter Of A Drum , and her acting roles in Paula Kehoe’s The Devils In Her an...