Alice Kinsella and Jessica Traynor discuss their latest works, which explore the often-overlooked aspects of motherhood, and its many complexities and joys. Pit Lullabies (2022) is Jessica Traynor’s third poetry collection, where she explores, with visceral, intimate and witty poems, the many faces of motherhood: from joy and amazement to post-natal depression. These fragmented lullabies trace an intimate journey from the darkest fears of new parenthood to the unparalleled joy it brings. Alice Kinsella’s debut in prose, Milk (2023), is an exploration of her pregnancy and the first nine months of her newborn baby’s life. Through gentle and vivid writing, she is able to paint an intimate picture on motherhood as she explores the generational experience and questions how this country has treated and portrayed its mothers historically.
Duration 1 hour
Alice Kinsella is a poet and playwright born in Dublin and raised in Co. Mayo. In 2018 she released her debut poetry collection, Flower Press (The Onslaught Press). Her poetry pamphlet Sexy Fruit (Broken Sleep Books, 2019) was a Poetry Book Society Spring 2019. In 2021, she edited Empty House: poetry and prose on the climate crisis (Doire Press) and her work has been published in The Irish Times, Poetry Ireland Review, RTÉ, Banshee, and The North, among others. Her latest book, Milk (Picador, 2023), is her debut in prose.
Jessica Traynor is an award-winning poet, creative writing teacher and dramaturg from Dublin. Her debut collection, Liffey Swim (Dedalus Press, 2014), was shortlisted for the Strong/Shine Award. In 2019, she co-edited Correspondences: an anthology to call for an end to direct provision with actor Stephen Rea. She is Poet in Residence at the Yeats Society, Sligo and a Creative Fellow of UCD. In 2022 she published her latest poetry collection, Pit Lullabies (Bloodaxe Books), which was selected as a Poetry Book Society recommendation.
Event Location
An Taibhdhearc
19 Middle St, Galway, H91 RX76
Back to What's OnThe main auditorium is step free, and there are accessible toilet facilities. There are two accessible parking spaces either end of Middle Street and three spaces on Saint Augustine Street opposite. There is a Loop system. HEPA filter will be in use
