“We’re known for the arts. And in fact, theatre and the spoken word is one of our strongest suits.”
In this episode of Arts Matter, Alison Cowzer sits down with Mark O’Brien, executive director of the Abbey Theatre, and Lynne Parker, artistic director of Rough Magic, to explore the true value of theatre in Ireland — beyond the stage.
They reflect on the golden era of independent theatre in Dublin, the struggles of a generation priced out of creativity, and the need to reframe arts funding as strategic investment, not subsidy. They also examine how corporate support could revolutionise the sector, and why the arts must be recognised as one of Ireland’s greatest economic and cultural assets. Arts Matters is sponsored by HLB Ireland.
