Immersive visuals, live music, and poetic performance collide to push the boundaries of spoken word in a mesmerising multi-sensory experience. Pioneered by a collective of unconventional artists and performers, this edition of Story Riot features Maeve Abyss, Simon O’Reilly, Osaro and Abby Oliveira.

Maeve Abyss is a poet and performer whose poetry touches on taboo and dark subjects while utilising humour and irony. Her band Memory Motel has performed widely in Transylvania’s music festival circuit. She is currently studying Creative Writing at the University of Limerick.

Simon O’Reilly is a producer and multi-instrumentalist with a passion for repurposing found objects and collective work. He has recorded and worked with an array of Ireland’s top musicians and written music for award winning films & documentaries that have screened at the likes of Sundance. Recently, he has collaborated with the author Manchán Magan and Other World, putting on an immersive show that leaves people curious about the world around them.

Osaro is a noir femme during summer time and a dark masc in the winter season. She is a woman who delves into the literal Black arts of lonesome prayers, sensual poetry and guttural vocal chorals which she infuses in her live performances during the hermit seasons.

Abby Oliveira is a spoken-word poet, writer, performer, and arts facilitator based in the North of Ireland. Her work is often cross-discipline and collaborative, comprising poetry, storytelling, music, prose, playwriting, and/or physical performance. Recent published work includes contributions to The 32: An Anthology of Irish Working Class Voices and Empty House: Poetry & Prose on the Climate Crisis.