Tales and Tunes: Celebrating Traveller History Month

About Martin Beanz Warde: Martin Warde, a member of the Irish Traveller community, holds a Sociology and Politics degree from NUIG and an MA in Journalism from UL. He is a stand-up comedian, writer, theatre-maker, and photographer. Martin advocates for better representation of his community in Irish media. His play “The Dead House” has had a sold-out run at Dublin Theatre Festival, Galway Theatre Festival and Kilkenny Arts Festival and it was recently performed here at the ICC. Martin writes for major Irish newspapers and appears on RTE and Virgin Media. Martin’s TV series “The End of the World with Beanz” aired on RTE One in March 2024 with series 2 coming in 2025″. Martin recently appeared in ‘The Borrowers’ at Dublin’s Gate Theatre.

About Richard O’Neill: (MBE)Award winning storyteller, award-winning author, and cultural ambassador. Born into a traditional nomadic Romani family and raised across the North of England, Richard brings powerful stories rooted in heritage and community to life in books, plays and songs that inspire audiences across the world, blending humour, wisdom, and heart.

With honours including an MBE for services to education and literature, National Literacy Hero, and a Doctorate of Letters, Richard’s work champions real inclusion through the timeless art of storytelling.

Sarah Dunne and Brigid Corcoran are both Irish Travellers; they grew up steeped in Irish music and song, passed down through generations. Sarah Dunne is the daughter of the Legendary Irish Traveller, the busker and singer, The Pecker Dunne.

Balkan Express: This vibrant five piece band who all have. with authentic Balkan Romani roots features a violin player, accordion player, guitarist and a percussionist – plus Linda Gjojgeva Toteva, London’s only Romani dance performer; all wearing their traditional costumes Balkan Express promise to bring colour to the ICC’s stage and get you up on your feet dancing.