Baboró at 30: Artistic Director Aislinn Ó'hEocha on What Inspires Her
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
One of my favourite authors is Patricia Forde, a brilliant Galway children’s writer who wrote one of my favourite children’s books, The Wordsmith. She is also one of Baboró’s co-founders – I’m forever grateful that she and others had the vision to establish Baboró.
The last performance that moved me was Witch Hunting by Compagnie par Terre – a powerful urban dance show that I saw in Berlin earlier this year.
A film I watch again and again is Cinema Paradiso. It’s a classic – it moves me to tears every time.
The best room I ever stayed in was in Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara. The setting, the roaring fires, the food and the service – a rare treat!
Left: Cinema Paradiso, Centre: The Word Smith by Patricia Forde, Right: Witch Hunting, Compagnie par Terre
When visiting a new city or place, I always love to get the local lowdown on the neighbourhood I’m staying in from friends or a local guide. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land plus tips on the best bars, restaurants and galleries to enjoy.
This autumn, I’m looking forward to Baboró of course! I can’t wait to see how our audience enjoys A Teen Odyssey – an immersive intergenerational theatre experience from Mallorca – unforgettable!
On a special occasion, I love to eat at Cava for great tapas with delicious wines and friendly service. But it’s hard to choose as there are so many great spots in Galway, such as Ard Bia, Kai and Rúibín. Outside town, I love O’Grady’s on the Pier in Barna or Linnane’s Lobster Bar, New Quay.
Left: Ballynahinch Castle, Centre: Brigit's Garden, Right: Cava
The spot I always recommend to anyone visiting Galway with kids is Brigit’s Garden in Rosscahil. It’s a great spot for children to safely roam. They have beautiful gardens steeped in history, mythology and sustainability, plus a great café to refuel.
Galway is the perfect festival city – small yet multicultural, brimming with great artists and audiences on the edge of Ireland’s biggest Gaeltacht. I try to reflect all of these elements in an inclusive, intercultural programme that challenges people’s expectations of what art for children can be.
How do I know when something is right for Baboró? It has to move me in some way – after that, I consider our family and school audiences, and curating a programme that will have something for everyone, no matter their age or interests. It needs to be high quality, accessible enough that we’ll sell tickets but with some challenging work that people will take a risk on as part of a festival experience.
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