Art as a Bridge: Restorative Storytelling with Geoff Power
Manage episode 498858751 series 3516900
Claire de Mézerville López is joined by co-host, IIRP Associate Professor, Dr. Fernanda Fonseca Rosenblatt, for the “Powerful Intersection Between Restorative Justice and Art” podcast series, a special initiative by the IIRP together with the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ). Art has the unique ability to connect and facilitate dialogue, making it a powerful tool in restorative justice practices. Throughout the series, we will examine how artists from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds use their creative expression to foster communication, build empathy, and potentially repair harm. Each episode will highlight a different aspect of this intersection, featuring conversations with artists who have contributed to restorative justice processes through various art forms — be it visual arts, music, theatre, film, and dance. Geoff Power joins us to share his compelling journey integrating restorative justice into his creative works. From producing documentaries highlighting societal issues to crafting impactful plays like Stronger, Geoff’s artistry explores complex themes of community, relationships, and personal transformation. Geoff reflects on his experience teaching creative writing at Midlands Prison, offering a unique perspective on how art can empower individuals within the justice system. His plays poignantly portray the human side of restorative justice, inspired by real-life stories of resilience and healing. Geoff is a playwright, documentary producer, print journalist, and sports reporter, with creativity having always been at the heart of his work. Based in Dublin, Geoff also works in Portlaoise prison, one of Ireland’s maximum-security prisons, as a creative writing teacher. This work has helped to steer Geoff’s documentary work with Midas Productions, as well as to inspire the writing of Stronger for Gúna Nua’s production in the Dublin Theatre Festival and featured in the EFRJ’s 2020 REstART Festival. Across a range of creative mediums including film, tv, theatre and literature, Geoff’s skills as a creator and producer reveal consistent themes of social justice and inequality often expressed through the voices of the marginalized in society. Tune in as we uncover the profound impact of storytelling in advocating for restorative practices globally.
126 episodes