Next up in our series of profiles is writer, Derek O’Connor. An ex-DYTer himself, staying up all night will be a doddle for him, what with the baby in his gaff acting the midnight maggot. As a sidenote, Derek is actually Irish Internet Royalty so excuse me while us geeks have a fangrrl/boy moment.
Okay.
Now on with the show. You can get a taste of Derek’s unique artistic expression over on the DorisMagee YouTube channel.
Introduce yourself please. You can even describe yourself as your favourite teacher might if asked today what you were like in school if you are feeling nostalgic.
I’m a writer, a filmmaker and a proud ex DYT-er. What was I like in school? A bit of a giddy goat. And a total chancer. Very little has changed, except my hairdo.
Have you participated in The 24 Hour Plays in aid of Dublin Youth Theatre before? If yes what is your fondest/ most nightmare causing memories? If no what are you looking forward to/ terrified of?
Never participated before, beyond thrilled to be invited. I’m looking forward to getting creative with a bunch of amazing people. I FEEL NO FEAR. I’m lying.
If you took a notion to write a play what element would you definitely include and why?
In everything I write, I actively seek the opportunity to include a character named Squinty The Geebag. This is by way of tribute to the real Squinty The Geebag, from Bluebell, who is, it should be noted, a total legend.
The 24 Hour Plays in aid of Dublin Youth Theatre supported by BNP Paribas Real Estate are now in their fifth year. Five years ago today what were you working on? Tell us what the highlight of that was.
I can’t remember what I was working on five minutes ago, never mind five years. No, wait, I was writing episodes of the BBC kids’ show Roy, which I absolutely love doing, and dreaming of being one day asked to participate in the 24 Hour Plays. DREAMS COME TRUE.
Have you worked with children or animals? How did that work out for ya?
I write a lot of kids’ telly, and just wrote the Christmas show for the Lyric in Belfast, so remain in a child-like state for the majority of my active writing life. I also have an eighteen year-old daughter and an eight-month old son (with a thirteen year-old somewhere inbetween), we’ve enjoyed a successful working relationship that involves my not embarassing them all that often.
Don’t miss Derek O’Connor’s contribution to The 24 Hour Plays in aid of Dublin supported by BNP Paribas. Book your ticket now and see you on January 31 in the Abbey Theatre.