Arts & Human Rights with Smashing Times

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 Brussels, Belgium. The company uses performances and workshops to support reconciliation, trauma recovery, and human rights work, using theatre to promote social engagement and to empower and transform individuals and communities. They have the aim of making theatre with everyone to save the world and create a shared humanity. Frédérique has developed her own theatrical method for over 40 years called Théâtre et Réconciliation, named after the theatre company she founded. Frédérique has worked extensively in Belgium and in conflict zones including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 industry. This is followed by a reflection on arts and human rights and the power of dance as a form of resistance and protest.

Numerous families in Chile today are still searching for relatives who disappeared during the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet who violently took over and ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990. The show highlights how the ‘cueca sola’ or ‘solo dance’ has been used, and continues to be used as a form of peaceful protest by relatives of the ‘disappeared’.

Our feature guest artist today is John Scott, a Dublin-born choreographer, performer, and founder of Irish Modern Dance Theatre. John is also a founder and Artistic Director of the Dancer from the Dance Festival and a member of Aosdána. Listen to John talk about the artistic practices that inspire his work as a dancer and choreography and his creative journey into arts and human rights.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, exploring migration, identity, and the realities of building a life far from home. On today's show Naoise recalls his adventures in Nepal and Thailand before heading to Vietnam and then Australia. In addition to exploring the adventures of a young Irish person travelling far from home, we will use the opportunity to talk about artists, culture and sport in some of the locations Naoise is travelling to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 (booking 066 9478956) and St John the Baptist Church, School Road, Valentia Island, County Kerry, on Saturday 18 April 2026, 7pm.

Also featured on the show is the current Irish nationwide tour of Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell performed by Cork actor and comedian Norma Sheahan; information on the upcoming Ranelagh Arts Festival and highlights of activities and events coming up with Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality including From the Forest to the Ocean by Mary Moynihan at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery.
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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, Dublin. She offers insight into her interests in personal development, self-empowerment, and the potential for positive living, while highlighting her passion for world politics, equality, and human rights. Maeve presents the radio show Wellbeing for Everyday Life every Thursday at 1 pm on Dublin South 93.9 FM.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.