INVEST Artist Takeover: Director Emily Foran on Creativity, Growth, and Mentorship
Theatre and Dance NI is delighted to share the latest edition of our INVEST Artist Takeovers, shining a light on the career journeys of artists taking part in our INVEST Programme. This initiative supports Northern Ireland-based theatre and dance practitioners with mentoring, professional development, and industry connections to help them take the next steps in their creative careers.
This time, we hear from director Emily Foran, who has been balancing a diverse slate of projects across theatre and film, while gaining new insights through the INVEST programme’s mentoring opportunities.
Recent Work and ProjectsÂ
My recent work includes short films, a production at The Lir Academy, script development with Tinderbox Theatre Company as well as my wedding(!) I’ve really enjoyed working on such a varied span of projects over my time on INVEST as all of the learning and growth I’ve experienced has had a major impact on my work.
Earlier this year, I directed a production of ‘Consent’ by Nina Raine at The Lir Academy, Dublin, working with a cast of wonderful final year acting students. The play is incredibly challenging in its themes and subject matter, but it is fizzing with comedy and pitch perfect dialogue, which was so rewarding to explore with such a talented group of actors and creatives.
Photo credit: Ste Murray
I also had the joy of directing a rehearsed reading of fellow INVEST artist Carley Magee’s new play ‘Stuff & Things & Junk & Belonging’ as part of the wonderful fellow INVEST artist Karis Kelly’s Front and Centre Symposium. Carley’s writing is electrifying and I have had the privilege of working with her before, so I was so excited to get stuck into this beast of a play with a great cast. We’re on the hunt for the play’s next steps as we know audiences are going to absolutely love it. The Front and Centre Symposium was such an empowering experience to be a part of, massive congratulations to Karis again, more please!
I recently got to work again with the fab folks at Tinderbox as part of a script development week for ‘Poached’ – a new play by Alice Malseed & Catherine Rees (which was in the top 20% for Verity Bargate Award 2022)! We were working closely with digital artist Aisling Phelan to create a series of videos that encapsulate the essence of the play and explore its key themes in a digital sphere. We were so fortunate to have a wonderful ensemble of artists collaborating with us over the week and we are so delighted with the work Aisling has made. ‘Poached’ is a hilarious and powerful play and I can’t wait to see where it goes next. Here’s a sneaky shot from our week working together:
 Credit: Lost Lens Caps
I also had the world premiere of my short film ‘MINDING’ by Shannon Welby at Galway Film Fleadh in July as part of Screen Ireland’s Focus Shorts Programme. It was so wonderful to have the cast and crew in Galway to celebrate finally sharing our film with the world and we are so excited for its festival run over the coming months. ‘MINDING’ is a poignant but heartwarming film about a mother and her daughter in rural Ireland and the challenges that come with big changes in both their lives. Anna Healy and Sorcha McElroy’s performances are just stunning.
MINDING Trailer:
Upcoming Projects, Performances or Exhibitions
I’m so excited to finish up the post-production period of my short film working titled ‘Post-Partum Sex’ by Carly Mills which was funded by Northern Ireland Screen. We had so much fun shooting this film and I particularly loved getting to collaborate with fellow INVEST artist Paula O’Reilly as she was Intimacy Co-ordinator on the shoot. Paula is always so much fun to work with and her intimacy work is always so authentic and dynamic, we can’t wait to share this film with audiences hopefully very soon.
Key Takeaways from INVEST Mentorship
Having Imogen Brodie from Sonia Friedman productions as my mentor has been a game changer for me and my artistic journey. Her generosity and insight has really helped me navigate my goals and ambitions for this year as well as beyond my time on INVEST. I’m so excited to spend some more time in London over the next few months observing and learning in a few SF rehearsal rooms and continuing to develop my craft and understanding of large-scale work.
For Artists Considering INVEST
Emily’s journey is a perfect example of how the INVEST programme helps artists in Northern Ireland:
- Build mentoring relationships with industry leaders.
- Access professional development opportunities in theatre and dance.
- Gain space to reflect on their creative practice and plan their career trajectory.
For emerging and mid-career artists, INVEST offers a rare opportunity to access tailored support and mentorship, while becoming part of a wider Theatre and Dance NI Membership Network.
Interested in applying for future editions of INVEST or becoming a TDNI member?
Visit our pages on INVEST and Membership to find out more.