Rich and diverse programme on offer for Longford cultural festival

The rich and diverse programme on offer as part of the Maria Edgeworth Festival celebrations encompasses many aspects of literature and arts.
One eagerly anticipated event will be Dr Richard Hogan, the renowned psychotherapist, who will talk at a symposium on the important subject of ‘Resilience and Wellbeing’.

The focus of the discussion centres on the ‘pressure cooker’ environment many people live in as part of their daily lives.
The symposium will be an opportunity for those interested in building Resilience and Wellbeing, particularly in young people, to listen and participate in an enlightenment discussion on the subject which is so relevant in all our lives today.

Psychotherapist Dr Hogan is very influential in his field. He writes a column in the Irish Examiner and is a regular contributor to radio and television including The Brendan O’Connor Show and most recently on RTE’s ‘Raised by the Village’ programme.
Alongside Richard, Theatre Director Maisie Lee will hold a discussion on the importance of creativity and communication in the field of Resilience and Wellbeing. She has worked with companies including The Abbey Theatre, Fishamble New Play Company, Druid Theatre, The Ark Cultural Centre for Children and RTE2FM.

She won a Gold IMRO Award for audio documentary Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands, looking at children’s experiences of the Covid pandemic. Maisie also works as a drama facilitator and has taught at The Lir Academy, Gaiety School of Acting and University of Galway.

Maisie was Artist in Residence for Baboró International Arts Festival for Children 2021-23. She set up and facilitated their inaugural Children’s Panel. She also works as a Creative Associate for the Arts Council’s Creative School’s programme.
The festival committee highlighted the support of Creative Longford, Longford Arts Services, Longford Tourism, RTE Supporting the Arts and the many local sponsors who have made the events on the programme possible.

The symposium will be held in the wonderful setting of the New Community Library in Edgeworthstown on the opening day of the Festival, Friday, May 10commencing at 10.30am. The event is free but booking is essential at www. mariaedgeworthcenter.com and enquiries can be made from; info@mariaedgeworth centre.com