Episodes
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On this week's episode we speak to Ciara Carroll, who is a rising Irish actor and multidisciplinary artist with a firm belief that art is for everyone. A 2021 graduate of TU Dublin's Conservatoire of Music and Drama, Ciara has already worked alongside some of Ireland's most celebrated talents, including Michael Fassbender, Robert Sheehan, Brendan Grace, and Pascal Scott. Most recently, she starred in Blindboy Boatclub's acclaimed short film 'Did You Read About Erskine Fogarty', which aired on RTÉ 2. Driven by curiosity and joy in the creative process, Ciara lives by the motto: "Do it for the craic and you will regret nothing!"
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This week on the podcast, we speak with Ayesha Mailey and Kelly Quigley, ensemble members of Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company.
Following up on our previous episode with Echo Echo’s Artistic Director, Steve Batts, we dive deeper into the challenges currently facing the company and its members as the future of Echo Echo remains uncertain.Ayesha and Kelly share their personal journeys—beginning in the company’s youth dance programme and growing into their roles as professional dancers and artists. They reflect on the impact Echo Echo has had on their lives and the wider artistic community, and what’s at stake in this critical moment.
Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company is based in Derry, Northern Ireland, with its home studios located in Waterloo House on the city’s historic Walls.Founded in Amsterdam in 1991 by Ursula Laeubli and Steve Batts, the company toured extensively throughout Europe before relocating to Derry in 1997. Since then, Echo Echo has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life.Echo Echo operates as an ensemble, favouring collaborative and co-operative working methods. Its core group of artists is committed to long-term collaboration and mutual support.The company creates touring performances, site-specific and event-based productions, a festival of dance and movement, a vibrant programme of artistic residencies, performances by visiting artists and companies, and a wide variety of participatory projects.Echo Echo’s work defies rigid stylistic categorisation. Rather than adhering to a single aesthetic, the company approaches dance as the art of poetic movement—similar to how poetry relates to everyday speech. This broad, inclusive approach enables meaningful participation across a wide spectrum of communities and experience levels.Echo Echo is deeply committed to high-quality artistic practice and to making dance accessible. The company rejects a rigid distinction between “professional” and “participatory” work, instead fostering numerous ways for people to engage with the art form.Echo Echo works with diverse groups including pre-school children and parents, schools and youth organisations, people with learning or physical disabilities, older adults, professional dancers, and multidisciplinary artists.Connect with us:Instagram: / confession_boxcollective Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / confession-box-collective Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcol... -
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In this week’s episode, we speak with Steve Batts, Artistic Director of Echo Echo Dance Theatre, about the latest—and deeply concerning—news that the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Echo Echo’s primary funder, has withdrawn 100% of its funding for the company after 20 years of support.
This devastating news has shocked the arts community not just in Derry and Northern Ireland, but across the entire island.
Steve shares his perspective on how this decision will affect Echo Echo, the wider arts sector, and what it means for the future of cultural life in the region.
Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company is based in Derry, Northern Ireland, with its home studios located in Waterloo House on the city’s historic Walls.
Founded in Amsterdam in 1991 by Ursula Laeubli and Steve Batts, the company toured extensively throughout Europe before relocating to Derry in 1997. Since then, Echo Echo has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life.
Echo Echo operates as an ensemble, favouring collaborative and co-operative working methods. Its core group of artists is committed to long-term collaboration and mutual support.
The company creates touring performances, site-specific and event-based productions, a festival of dance and movement, a vibrant programme of artistic residencies, performances by visiting artists and companies, and a wide variety of participatory projects.
Echo Echo’s work defies rigid stylistic categorisation. Rather than adhering to a single aesthetic, the company approaches dance as the art of poetic movement—similar to how poetry relates to everyday speech. This broad, inclusive approach enables meaningful participation across a wide spectrum of communities and experience levels.
Echo Echo is deeply committed to high-quality artistic practice and to making dance accessible. The company rejects a rigid distinction between “professional” and “participatory” work, instead fostering numerous ways for people to engage with the art form.
Echo Echo works with diverse groups including pre-school children and parents, schools and youth organisations, people with learning or physical disabilities, older adults, professional dancers, and multidisciplinary artists.
Connect with us:Instagram: / confession_boxcollective Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / confession-box-collective Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcol...
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On this week's episode we chat to Ali Clarke is a multidisciplinary artist and cultural producer. Artistically her passion lies in creating immersive and interactive performances that explore the interplay between the audience and performers. Her work is grounded in the physical practices of contemporary dance, however, she has further expanded her exploration beyond disciplinary boundaries, gaining extensive experience in contemporary circus, theatre, poetry and performance art. With a desire to reimagine the role of contemporary dance in society, Ali has received numerous accolades, including a Next Generation Award from the Arts Council of Ireland, three Arts and Disability Research Awards, the Chasse Theater and Podium Bloos Culture Award, and the Cafe Theatre Festival Jury Award. Ali is currently engaged with the Dublin City Council Arts Office as Creative Community Engagement Officer overseeing the Creative Ireland program in the city. With a strong passion for equality, diversity and inclusion in cultural policy and practice she is currently undertaking a MSc in Equality Studies at UCD.
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On this week’s episode, we chat with Saorla Rodgers, an actor and comedian.
Saorla completed her training at the College of Dance and the Gaiety School of Acting.We discuss the importance of including the arts—such as drama and dance—as Leaving Certificate subjects in schools.
We also delve into the behind-the-scenes of her show Porno, which was performed at the Scene + Heard Festival 2025.
Saorla will be performing in Who’s the Clown at the Pearse Centre on June 19th.
Connect with us:Instagram: / confession_boxcollective Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / confession-box-collective Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcol...
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On this week's episode we spoke to Anatolii Liaskalo, born in 1984 in Dnipro, Ukraine, and began dancing at the age of four at a local folk dance school. As a folk dancer, he performed regularly and, at 18, began studying jazz techniques. At 23, he joined the Theatre and School of Contemporary Dance POTOKI, led by Elena Budnitskaia, where he danced for three years. A graduate of Oles Honchar Dnipro National University in psychology, Anatolii’s interest in the connection between body, movement, and mind led him to complete programs in Dance and Body-Oriented Psychotherapy.
Since 2010, he has worked as a freelance dancer and teacher across numerous Dnipro dance schools. In the 2012–2013 season, he performed with Borodystky Dennis Dance Company and participated in Contact Improvisation festivals in Finland, Spain, Italy, and Kyiv. He also performed in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia (2010, 2014), and in 2015 worked with Dubai TV in Lebanon.
Anatolii has choreographed and performed original works including Chasing the Rainbow, The 6th Day, Purgatorium, the short film Nagini, and Empathy (Ukraine, 2018–2021).
After relocating to Ireland in 2022, he held a residency at Dance Ireland and participated in D2C Lab 2023. He also appeared in Fiona Quilligan’s film for the Crystal Cloud project and performed in Crystal Cloud in Dublin in November 2024.
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In this week's episode, we chat with the incredible Johely Guilarte — a passionate salsa dancer and choreographer originally from Venezuela and now based in Dublin, Ireland. Johely shares her inspiring journey, from discovering her love for dance at a young age, to competing and performing around the world, and the challenges she faced when moving to a new country.
With over 20 years of experience in Latin and urban dance styles, Johely has mentored and taught thousands across America, Africa, and Europe. She's a decorated performer, with accolades including South American Salsa Champion, 1st place at the Limburg Salsa Congress, and her recent wins at the 2024 Summit Championship.
We also explore her role as a cultural ambassador, the story behind founding Real Dance Studio, her JG Active Wear brand, and how she continues to build community and empower women through the art of dance.
Don’t miss this vibrant conversation filled with rhythm, resilience, and inspiration.
Connect with us:Instagram: / confession_boxcollective Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / confession-box-collective Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcol...
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This week on the podcast, we chat with Ryan O'Neill, a dancer from Northern Ireland.We discuss his journey to becoming the artist he is today, the challenges artists in the North face, and how he once dreamed of becoming a jockey. Ryan is performing in Scorched Earth, a piece by Luke Murphy, as part of the Dublin Dance Festival. The performance takes place on the 23rd and 24th of May at 7:30 PM at the Project Arts Centre. Ryan is also an Artist in Residence with LUAIL, Ireland’s national dance company.Connect with us:Instagram: / confession_boxcollective Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / confession-box-collective Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcol...
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In this week’s episode, we chat with Vitor Bassi, a dancer and actor.
We discuss his move to Ireland to take a break from performing, and how the pandemic led him back to dance and to rediscover his passion for physical theatre. Vitor shares his insights on the importance of mental health and self-care. He is currently performing When the Moon Spun Round at the 2025 Dublin Dance Festival.Connect with us:Instagram: / confession_boxcollective Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / confession-box-collective Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcol... -
On this week's episode, we chat to Robyn Byrne a contemporary dancer, choreographer, and movement director from the Midlands, working across dance, theatre, film, circus, and outdoor spectacle. She was a 2023 Next Generation Award recipient and Tipperary Dance Associate Artist. Her choreographic works include O before I (film,2020), Glimmer (dance installation, 2022). In 2023, she choreographed MOSH, which won the Best Ensemble at the Dublin Fringe Festival and will tour nationally later this year. Her new show Queen of the Meadows premieres this May for Live Collision Intl. Festival. As a movement director, Robyn has worked on screen short His House, Home and theatre shows Gammy, and Wide Open. Since 2018, she has collaborated with Emma Martin/United Fall and performed in Night Dances. Other performance credits include works with Junk Ensemble, Irish National Opera, and Company Philip Connaughton.
Here's a link to the Film O Before I https://youtu.be/qt9U37c8d7I.
Instagram: @robin.red.breast
Website: www.robynbyrne.com
Show tickets: https://projectartscentre.ie/events/queen-of-the-meadows-by-robyn-byrne/
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On this week's episode, we’re thrilled to chat with Amy O’Donnell, a powerhouse in the Irish arts scene with nearly two decades of experience. Originally from Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Amy began her journey with Druid Theatre Company and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, before moving into key roles such as Administrator and General Manager at Irish Modern Dance Theatre.
Amy spent ten dynamic years in London, where she worked on large-scale children’s theatre productions with Minor Entertainment and served as Administration Manager at the iconic Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
More recently, she’s been making waves closer to home through her work with Dance Cork Firkin Crane and The Gate, as well as serving on the committee of the Cavan Arts Festival and the board of Irish Modern Dance Theatre.
For the past three years, Amy has proudly held the role of Associate Producer at Livin’ Dred, a position she deeply values and describes as a true privilege.
Join us as we dive into Amy’s fascinating career, her passion for the arts, and the exciting projects she’s championing across Ireland and beyond!
Connect with us:Instagram: / confession_boxcollective Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / confession-box-collective Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcol...
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In this week's episode, we chat with Daniela Poch Marquez, an actor, dancer, and movement director whose work spans performance, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Daniela holds a BA in Acting (Practice and Body Studies) from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and is currently pursuing an MFA in Movement Directing and Teaching at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
Her artistic practice weaves together acting, music, dance, puppetry, and medieval performance, creating a richly layered approach to storytelling. In our conversation, Daniela reflects on growing up in Chile and how recent social and political shifts have shaped the country's theatre scene. She also shares how her time at RCSSD is fueling the development of a new movement methodology that blends somatic practice with creative exploration. -
On this week's episode, we chat with James O'Donnell — actor, director, and playwright. Originally from Dublin and now based in Ireland, James shares how he first got hooked on acting after seeing his very first play in his 20s. He went on to study at the Guildford School of Music and Drama and has since performed with both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confession_boxcollective/Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562754885256LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/confession-box-collective/Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcollective/pod-recording
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This week on the podcast, we chat with Anna Reid, an actor and singer, about her journey in the entertainment industry since graduating from TU Dublin. We discuss the importance of pursuing what you love, handling rejection, and the positive impact of body positivity and representation in the arts. We also explore how Nicola Coughlan has influenced the industry, promoting greater inclusivity and change.
Connect with us:Instagram: / confession_boxcollective Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / confession-box-collective Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcol...
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On this week's episode, we speak to Judit who is a choreographic assistant, artistic advisor and Cerified Advanced Rolfer based in Dublin. She trained in ballet, where she got her diploma in classical dance by the conservatory of San Sebastián (Spain). Started training in contemporary dance at the age of 12, and after finishing her studies of telecommunication engineering, she moved to Brussels (Belgium), with a contemporary dance scholarship. She lived there for 20 years and dance with international companies such as Ward/Ward - Ann Van den Broek, Jelena Kostic Dance, DiveinD-Dario Tortorelli, Hilde Elbers, Matteo Moles, Krego-Martin Danza, etc... dancing throughout Europe, Asia and America.
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On this week's episode, we chat with Leanne Bickerdike, a talented actor, playwright, and all-around hilarious person. We discuss the inspiration behind her play Wretch, the challenges and rewards of creating it, tips for dealing with stage fright, and the bold decisions she has made on stage.
Connect with us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confession_boxcollective/Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562754885256LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/confession-box-collective/Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcollective/pod-recording
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On this weeks episode, we sit down with ballet dancer Tadhg Quigley Brennan to talk about his journey from youth theatre to pursuing a career in ballet. We explore how he discovered his passion for dance, his experience with imposter syndrome, and the challenges he’s faced along the way.
Tadhg also opens up about the importance of stepping back from performing and how taking a break has helped his mental health. His story is an inspiring reminder that rest is just as important as ambition.
If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, burnout, or finding your place in the creative world, this episode is for you.
Connect with us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confession_boxcollective/Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562754885256LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/confession-box-collective/Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcollective/pod-recording
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This week on the podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Laurie Schneider as she takes us on a journey from disco dancing to becoming an Associate Artist with Echo Echo Dance! Laurie shares how the housing crisis has impacted her artistic life and how becoming a mother gave her the confidence to step into choreography. She also talks about her amazing work with Stage Beyond and Lilliput, two incredible groups that support dancers with disabilities.Beyond performance, Laurie is the co-founder of Expand Dance and has recently set up Embodied Pilates Studio in Derry, bringing movement and well-being to the community.
Connect with us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confession_boxcollective/Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562754885256LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/confession-box-collective/Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcollective/pod-recording
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In this weeks episode, we chat with the amazing Helen McGrath about her journey from studying auctioneering to performing in her brand-new show IVY, coming to The New Theatre from March 25-29, 2025! 🎭
Helen is a powerhouse actor & writer, with credits in A Christmas Visit, SUCKIN DIESEL, The War Wounded, and more. She’s trained in physical theatre, storytelling, and even holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate! 🥋🔥
Tune in as we dive into her creative process, career switch, and what to expect from IVY! You won’t want to miss this one! 🎙️
Connect with us:Instagram: / confession_boxcollective Website: https://confessionboxcollective.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / confession-box-collective Book a podcast recording with us: https://calendly.com/confessionboxcol...
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In this week's episode, we chat with Polina Shapkina, a Russian-born, Irish-reared artist, aerialist, fire performer, and emerging director.
She shares how she discovered her love for aerial arts, her creative process behind the show MAKOSH, and the profound impact the Basic Income for Artists pilot program has had on her career.
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