Vital Voices: An Evening of Intercultural Expression at Buncrana Cinema

Vital Voices is bringing together groundbreaking artists from across Ireland and beyond, including poets, playwrights, performers and storytellers, for a special evening of Intercultural Expression in Inishowen.

The special event will take place at Buncrana Cinema on Tuesday, October 21 at 8pm. It is free-of-charge, with tickets available via the cinema.

This unique gathering creates an intimate space where diverse voices, disciplines, and lived experiences collide to offer fresh perspectives on identity, belonging, and the world we’re building together.

Audiences can expect powerful poetry, musical depth, bold storytelling, and a celebration of intercultural creativity. Rooted in community and shaped by movement, memory, and myth, Vital Voices is a shared moment of connection, listening, and transformation.

This project has been facilitated by the Donegal County Council Arts Office and ChangeMakers Donegal, and is supported by Creative Ireland/Éire Ildánach.

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The Buncrana Vital Voices evening will feature the following.

Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin – A Dubliner brought up speaking Irish, he’s a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose melodies are deeply rooted in the sean-nós tradition. His debut solo album The Deepest Breath was released in November 2022 to widespread critical acclaim. He won two 2023 RTÉ Folk Awards for Best Folk Singer and Best Original Folk Track. A highly skilled musician, Sean Nos singer and also a political activist, the People Before Profit Candidate for Dublin North Inner City.

Aziz Abushark – a Palestinian/Irish musician whose work blends traditional Palestinian influences with contemporary sounds, creating music that resonates with both heritage and modern styles. Similar to his father Asad, Aziz weaves his passion for storytelling through sound.

Dr Asad Abushark – Palestinian academic, writer, poet and human rights advocate. A professor of Translation and Linguistics at Gaza University and spokesperson for the University Teachers’ Association in Palestine, he has long been active in international campaigns for justice and the right of return.

Denise Blake – Poet, writer, and creative writing facilitator, with two poetry collections published by Summer Palace Press (Take a Deep Breath and How to Spin Without Getting Dizzy). She regularly facilitates workshops in schools and with adults, and has read at venues such as the Irish Writers’ Centre, O’Bhéal, and Over the Edge. A popular contributor to RTÉ Radio 1’s Sunday Miscellany.

Keith Corcoran – Donegal native seanchaí (traditional storyteller), author, and international tour guide. He collects and shares Irish legends, folklore, and stories, which are featured in his books such as Mysteries and Legends of Donegal and Finding Fairy Mysteries in Donegal.

Anne Omodara – An emerging poet from Nigeria based in Donegal. Anne has performed her work across Donegal, including the Donegal Mela 2024 and the Intercultural Cabaret at An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny.