PAYING HOMAGE to the city of Dublin, Inua Ellams, Fuel and the Abbey Theatre present 05Fest – a festival that brings poetry centre stage and unites separate strands of the artists’ work in different styles and locations.

Writing as an art form has the ability to change perspective. One line of poetry or even punctuation can change meaning and understanding.

Ellams will showcase the power of words when he visits Dublin this summer to curate and host a series of exciting cultural events at the Abbey and across the city. 

Born to a Muslim father and a Christian mother in what is now considered by many to be Boko Haram territory, award-winning poet and playwright Ellams left Nigeria for England in 1996 aged 12, moved to Ireland for three years, before returning to London and starting work as a writer and graphic designer.

While in Dublin, Ellams experienced both prejudice and friendship and has described it as a time when the seeds were sown for his poetry. Part of this story was documented in his autobiographical Edinburgh Fringe First Award winning play The 14th Tale. 

Ellams said: “Everything I am as an artist was seeded in Dublin, way out in Tallaght. My teachers in Firhouse Community College taught me about the power of language, and its ability to provide relief, community and escapism for those in need – and we are all, always in need.

“It is such an honour to bring 05Fest here, to share, build and grow with Dublin’s finest artists and writers, and gift our creations to the people of this city, the city taught me and brought me to myself.”

“This is very exciting for the Abbey,” said Caitríona McLaughlin, Artistic Director, Abbey Theatre.

“Inua and 05Fest are not just coming to the Abbey, they’re coming to use Dublin city as backdrop for a new form of performance and theatre. Theatre that brings new voices and perspectives and a new energy.”

Kate McGrath, director of Fuel, said: “Sharing Inua’s work in Dublin in this way feels very special. His teenage years in the city shaped who he is as a writer, and now he’s coming back to collaborate with local artists in the city where he once lived.

“It also feels great for Fuel to be back in Dublin – we’ve loved presenting our work in the city over the years, and having collaborated with on a virtual tour during lockdown, it’s great to be coming to meet live audiences at the Abbey.”

Inua Ellams, Fuel and the Abbey Theatre present 05Fest, July 1 – 8
Tickets are available now from Abbey Theatre

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