Soso Ní Cheallaigh (they/them) is a disability-led multidisciplinary maker from Derry. 

“De mo Neamhthoil a thánaig an crith orm”
“How does it feel 
to never truly be still?”

De mo Neamhthoil is part of Soso Ní Cheallaigh’s ongoing study on the chaos and disorder of their rare nervous system conditions. It responds to the essential tremor and involuntary contractions that convulse through their own body. 

This new site-specific work combines video installation with live intervention to explore self-documentation, bodily isolation, and our inherent human need to understand ourselves.

Supported by the European Dancehouse Network Carte Blanche Travel Award.

Mikhail Karikis is an artist based in London and Lisbon. He works in moving image, sound, performance and other media. This installation acts as an ode to the elements, expressing our entanglement with weather and celebrating our connection to the earth’s atmosphere. 

Karikis has worked with performers from diverse climates in order to create a soundscape that will transform Void into an indoor weather system generated through sound vibration and singing. He develops socially embedded projects that prompt an activist imaginary and the potential to imagine possible or desired futures of self-determination.

Join Mel Bradley and a cast of local artists for a vibrant cabaret celebration of queer, d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent emerging talent in the Northwest. This event is born from an exciting new partnership between Foyle Pride and University of Atypical. It promises an unforgettable evening of performances that showcase the rich diversity of our community. 

Following the success of a sell-out show in Belfast, we asked Mel Bradley, “Could you bring that magic to Derry?” The answer was a resounding yes! So, don your best bling and get ready for a night that’s sure to be nothing short of spectacular.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event will not have Irish Sign Language interpretation. 

All who are weary and heavy-laden, I will give you rest is a sound and movement performance by Northern Lights Project exploring the theme of ‘burden’ as it relates to disability. Amble Skuse is a composer and sound artist from Scotland, and Boško Begović is a writer, martial and movement artist from Belgrade.

During the performance, audience members will be asked to lay what is burdening them into a stone, and give it to Boško to carry. The stones will range from gravel to boulders. Boško will symbolically take their burden from them and continue with his tasks. His costume will have a series of strangely placed pockets, and as he fills these his body will be unevenly weighted, unbalanced and uncomfortable. Body sensors on his suit control the mix of voices from interviews with disabled people.

Enjoy inspiring poetry readings and settle in for an afternoon of thought-provoking verse.

Nina Quigley, a writer and visual/performance artist from Inishowen, County Donegal, will share poetry from her latest publication, Working for the Mafia: A Bipolar Experience. The book will be on sale at this event.

Elizabeth McGeown, a Pushcart-nominated poet and film artist from Belfast, will read from her powerful poetry exploring themes of feminism, mental health, disability, the body, and neurodivergence.

Tea and coffee will be provided. Bring your own sandwiches.

Enjoy a cup of tea at the Playhouse in Derry~Londonderry for a special launch event, offering the chance to meet some of our festival artists, dedicated staff, and distinguished special guests. This gathering provides a unique opportunity to engage with the creative minds behind the festival.

Afterwards, be sure to purchase a ticket and stay for poetry with the talented Nina Quigley and Elizabeth McGeown.