A Critical Conversation on Active Resistance with Ahmed Masoud

Féile Saoirse is presented by Cairde Amharclann na Saoirse in Éirinn (Friends of the Freedom Theatre in Ireland) and is crowd funded by our audience, we are grateful for their generous contributions. 

Cairde Amharclann na Saoirse, in Éirinn (Friends of the Freedom Theatre Ireland), exists to support and promote the work and repertoire, vision, legacy and ethos of The Freedom Theatre (Jenin, Palestine) by creating common spaces in Ireland through the practice of cultural resistance for cultural exchange, skill sharing and using cultural resistance as an empowerment tool for the Oppressed. Led by Palestinian-Irish artist Gráinnemir Abualrob as Artistic Director, a graduate of The Freedom Theatre.

Ahmed Masoud is the author of the acclaimed novels Vanished – The Mysterious Disappearance of Mustafa Ouda and Come What May. Ahmed is a writer, poet and director who grew up in Palestine and moved to the UK in 2002. Ahmed’s Theatre and Radio Drama credits include: Application 39 (Stage production 2025), The Florist of Rafah (2024), Passports, Jinn, Mo Salah and Other Complicated Things (2023), Application 39 (WDR Radio, Germany 2018) Camouflage (London 2017), The Shroud Maker (London 2015 – still touring), Walaa, Loyalty (London 2014, funded by the Arts Council England), Escape from Gaza (BBC Radio 4 2011). Ahmed is the founder of Al Zaytouna Dance Theatre (2005 – 2013) where wrote and directed many productions with subsequent tours in the UK and Europe, including Unto the Breach (London and Vienna 2012) Between the Fleeting Words (London, Zurich, Freiburg, Ljubljana, Madrid 2010 – 2012). Ila Haif (London, Freiburg 2008-2010) Hassad (London 2007-2008). After finishing his PhD research, Ahmed published many journals and articles including a chapter in the Britain and Muslim World: A Historical Perspective (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2011). Most recently, Ahmed launched his new artistic initiative called PalArt Collective. For more information, please see www.ahmedmasoud.co.uk

Dónal O’Kelly has been a playwright and actor for four decades, touring widely with his solo shows such as Catalpa, Fionnuala, Hairy Jaysus and Bat the Father Rabbit the Son. His plays often have a social context, such as Asylum! Asylum! (1994), The Cambria (2005) about Frederick

Douglass’ journey to Ireland in a modern context, and Farawayan (1998), about the threat of deportation for people seeking asylum. He was co-editor of the Afri book of testimonies End Direct Provision and Tackle the International Protection Process. He was a member of Aosdána 2007-2010, honoured to be a member of Friends of the Freedom Theatre in Ireland.

Dunny is Donnacha O’Malley, one of the founding members of Dublin-based experimental band Meltybrains? His 3-piece band, featuring Des Garvey and Jack McGarry, plays a laid back blend of psychedelic folk and fuzzy electronic textures, sprinkled with a quirky pop sensibility. Audience members have drawn comparisons ranging from Arthur Russell and Robert Wyatt to early Supertramp and The Smiths. Dunny’s debut album Schtum came out in November 2024.