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 inspire courage, spark dialogue, and remind us whose side we’re on.

We’re also joined by visual artist and interior designer Avril Murphy Allen, whose vibrant solo exhibition Alleyways runs at Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery, Dublin, from 5–8 February 2026. Through an explosion of colour, Avril explores overlooked urban spaces and the resilience, memory, and transformation they hold. Avril also features in the Solstice Light Art in Winter exhibition, running at the same gallery until 25 January 2026.

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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 culture events, including the First Fortnight mental health festival, TradFest 2026 in Dublin, Druid Theatre, Doolin Writers Weekend, and music from the legendary Mary Coughlan.

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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. Escobar and Odusola discuss UMAKOKO, their multicultural dance company, and its upcoming production WAVE 4EVER at The Complex Arts Centre on 6 December 2025. The show concludes with Sharon Clancy’s charity single “Éire Is Ainm Dom,” supporting homelessness services.

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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 unique voice to the programme.

Mary also discusses the new ITV documentary “Breaking Ranks: Inside Israel’s War”, which offers rare, first-hand testimony from IDF soldiers speaking out about their experiences in Gaza following the October 7th attacks. The film sheds light on the conduct of the war and the troubling accounts emerging from those who served.

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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 Dublin, where Mary Moynihan marked the occasion by reading her poem “The Way.” The event was attended by President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Coyne Higgins, and Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam.

The programme also features an interview with Ciara Hayes, producer of the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival, who shares festival highlights and details two major exhibitions — Irish in Resistance During World War II at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery, and From the Forest to the Ocean at Rathfarnham Castle Gallery.

Plus, Ciara announces an Open Call for Artists for the upcoming winter exhibition Solstice Light: Art in Winter.

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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 celebrating art, equality, and storytelling. For more information, visit www.smashingtimes.ie

With thanks to Féilim James, writer and editor, for his text and contributions.

Recorded at Dublin South FM

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