In this episode we host Nandi Jola, poet, storyteller and playwright born in South Africa and living in Northern Ireland for most of her life. We talked about how her writing reflects both Belfast and Africa, engaging with personal learning from her South African identity and exploring historical connections between the island of Ireland and South Africa. Nandi also discussed her work as a creative writing facilitator and her role of cultural ambassador, working in schools throughout Northern Ireland delivering cultural awareness workshops. In 2022, Nandi published her acclaimed collection Home is Neither Here nor There, (see here) and she is currently showcasing her play The Rise of Maqoma, opening up conversations about whitewashed history and repatriations as part of conflict transformation. Find out more here.

Memory and Memorialisation through Art

In this episode we host Gail Ritchie, an artist based in Northern Ireland, to discuss her work exploring the themes of memory and memorialisation through drawing, sculpture and installation. In 2022, Gail completed her practice-based PhD in International Relations at Queen's University Belfast and exhibited the visual research, The im/material monument, at the Naughton Gallery. Find out more about Gail’s art: http://www.gailritchie.com

Un-Stitching Gazes.

In this episode we talk to Beatriz E. Arias López (University of Antioquia), Berit Bliesemann de Guevara (Aberystwyth University) and Christine Andrä (University of Groningen) to learn about their critical and creative project, Un-Stitching Gazes. We discuss their innovative methodology using sewing, embroidery and narrative interviews to explore everyday micro-processes of reconciliation in Colombia and challenge traditional narratives and research practices in conflict/peace. Find out more about this wonderful project: https://des-tejiendomiradas.com/en/inicio-english/

The Power of Visuals in Facilitated Dialogue

In this episode we hear from Stéphanie Heckman about her work as a visual facilitator & graphic recorder internationally and in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Stéphanie reflects on the power of visual communication to enhance opportunities for inclusive dialogue through creativity.

Theatre of Witness and the promotion of inclusive dialogue in Northern Ireland

In this first episode we talk to former IRA combatant Anne Walker, and Kathleen Gillespie, who suffered terrible loss as a result of the troubles in Northern Ireland. The discussion focuses on their involvement in Theatre of Witness programmes and how this facilitated a channel for dialogue and understanding that has fostered a long-term friendship.