A Brief Biography: FELISPEAKS

POET

FELISPEAKS is a visionary poet celebrated for their profound exploration of identity, social justice, and personal growth through poetry. Their compelling work transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on international literature. FELISPEAKS curated and performed "New Nurturing" at the esteemed International Literature Festival Dublin 2023, a project supported by EEFEA and co-funded by the European Union. They also presented iterations of this transformative project alongside their collaborators at Inizjamed (Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival) and the Jelsa Art Biennial in Croatia.

PERFORMER

FELISPEAKS starred in THISISPOPBABY's groundbreaking production "WAKE" at the Dublin Fringe Festival in 2022 and again as part of St. Patrick’s Festival in 2024, pushing artistic boundaries with their powerful performances. Renowned for their electrifying stage presence, FELISPEAKS was awarded "Best Performer" at the Dublin Fringe Festival 2022, solidifying their reputation as a captivating storyteller. Blending poetry, creative direction and musicality to create a compelling video narrative, FELISPEAKS debuted their poetic single "TOUGH MEAT" in November 2022, showcasing their mastery of lyrical expression.

PLAYWRIGHT

As a playwright, FELISPEAKS continues to innovate. In 2021, their collaborative work "DÚBH," supported by Arts Council Ireland and featured at the Dublin Theatre Festival, invites audiences to explore themes of repression, sexuality, and healing. Commissioned by the Irish Repertory Theatre and Fishamble the New Play Company for the Transatlantic Commission Programme, FELISPEAKS premiered their new play infused with poetry ‘BENT!’ across Dublin, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles in 2023-2024. Mentored by Pulitzer Prize nominee Dael Orlandersmith and directed by Nicola Murphy-Dubey and Jim Culleton, their performances resonate deeply with diverse audiences worldwide.

CURATOR AND EDUCATOR

FELISPEAKS extends their impact beyond performance and writing through curation and community. They curated the innovative project "Amongst Ourselves" in collaboration with the Hugh Lane Gallery, exploring themes of Black Irish relationship between mother and daughter, using the tool of poetry as a connector. This project stages Black Irish women in the gallery as art themselves, using their poems as a conduit to carry the audience through their understanding of home and relationship. Available on YouTube, ‘Amongst Ourselves’ showcases FELISPEAKS' commitment to fostering dialogue through art and poetry.

FELISPEAKS' poetic prowess has also influenced education, with their works "For Our Mothers" and "Rainbow Blood" selected for the Higher Level English Leaving Certificate curriculum in 2023/2025. Their inclusion underscores their impact on literature and education, ensuring their powerful words resonate with future generations.

Additional Accolades

FELISPEAKS' impact extends beyond the stage, earning recognition as an Artist-In-Residence with Axis Ballymun & Visual Carlow for the '21/'22 season. They also served as an Associate Artist with THISISPOPBABY in 2021/2022. Recognized as an "Irish Tatler Woman of the Year" in the Catalyst Category for 2021, representing their significant contribution to the intersection of art and culture in Ireland.