The programme curated by associate artist Esosa Ighodaro explores questions of ownership, voice and representation through visual art, theatre, comedy, film, music and open forums that highlight the richness of Black Irish identity. Ighodaro told Echo the events place emphasis on contemporary creativity with the recognition that today’s work forms tomorrow’s history. The theatre’s announcement described the initiative as a celebration of Black identity in Ireland today by showcasing local Black artists across multiple disciplines.
An exhibition running from the first to the 31st of the month examines historical Black connections to Ireland by intertwining myth, folklore and storytelling to challenge dominant narratives. It creates an immersive space where history and imagination meet, encouraging visitors to reflect on untold stories and alternative perspectives. Programme details distributed by the venue position the display as a foundation for the subsequent live events.
On the 23rd, Ighodaro will deliver a staged reading of Down With Jazz, a work that experiments with theatrical form to illuminate experiences of racism in Ireland. The 24th brings Black and Irish, an evening of stand-up comedy, dance and short films created by Black Irish artists in the Studio Theatre, followed by a panel discussion and open forum on creativity, identity and representation. Among those performing are Yemi Edebiri, Favour Odusola, Neltah Chadamoyo, Grace Miazoloh, Steve Hartland, Chioma Ugonabo, Leah Minto, Gabriel Adewusi, Tierra Porter, Aesha Tandy and Tanya Bridgeman, whose verbatim poetry accompanies the gallery installation Rice and Bean: 2 Kitchens.
The following evening on the 25th features Roots; What The Table Knows, a participatory experience presented by the Open Table collective of Black women that uses food, sound, conversation and the senses to explore cultural knowledge, community and connection. This event is positioned as a fitting close to the Roots and Routes theme by emphasising how shared practices nourish collective memory. A further panel will examine the power of storytelling and the future direction of Black Irish narratives.
The programme concludes on the 26th with a Rhythm and Poetry party hosted by Arinola Theatre, uniting spoken-word artists, poets and musicians for an energetic celebration of creative expression. All events are supported by South Dublin County Council and take place at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght. Latecomers will not be admitted to ticketed performances, the venue has advised.
Central Statistics Office data from the 2022 census shows 76,245 people in Ireland identified as Black or Black Irish, comprising 1.5 per cent of the population and reflecting an approximately 18 per cent increase since 2016. Within that total, 67,546 identified as Black or Black Irish African, a 17 per cent rise from the previous census, while another 8,699 fell into any other Black background, up 28 per cent. The figures underscore the expanding presence of the community, particularly in Dublin, where cultural programmes such as the Civic’s help promote dialogue and visibility.
