CreateFest 2020 gives you the opportunity to network, learn from and talk to professionals in the theatre world.

This year CreateFest goes online! We bring you up close and personal with your mentors and professionals in the arts and creative industries. Learn from and engage with Irelands creative leaders and influencers.

This years panel features

Felispeaks is a Nigerian-Irish Poet, Performer, Playwright from Co. Longford. As well as being a member of the Dublin City Council’s Culture Company Advisory Panel; Joined 2018, Felispeaks is a member of the Board of Members for Poetry Ireland; appointed June 2020. Felispeaks has been nominated ‘Best Performer’ by Dublin Fringe Festival Sep. 2018 Judges for her performance in ‘BOYCHILD’, a co-written play by Dagogo Hart and herself. Felispeaks has also had the opportunity to perform her poetry at Concern 50th Anniversary in Dublin Castle in September 2018 that included speakers such as UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, President Bill Clinton and Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. Felicia has also been honoured with an award by the (APNI) African Professional Network of Ireland for her unique contribution to the art scene in Dublin City, December 2017. Felispeaks is member of WeAreGriot, a poetry collective consisting of herself, Dagogo Hart & Samuel Yakura – curating poetry/rap events – Talkatives, writing plays – Felispeaks is currently enjoying creating poetry and performance pieces that always promises to introduce her audience to the journey of emotion in every story.

Elizabeth Whyte is the Artistic Director of the Wexford Arts Centre.

Ben Barnes is an international theatre and opera director. His work has been seen in many of the major cities of the world. Recent US productions include The Crucible, Waiting for Godot and The Seafarer and in Ireland he has recently directed Madama Butterfly for INO at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre which was subsequently filmed by RTE.

Ben is a former Artistic Director of the Abbey and founding Artistic Director of Opera Theatre Company. He is currently consultant artistic director of Theatre Royal Waterford and Director of Four Rivers, a company set up to serve the SE region of the country. His book Plays and Controversies published in 2008 details his tenure at the Abbey as it’s Artistic Director.