Ger Ó Sé is a recently retired primary school principal, arts educator, and theatre director.

Throughout his career, he has combined a passion for education with a deep commitment to the arts, serving as an Arts Advisor with the PCSP and the PDST while also directing theatre productions.

He is currently completing Creon, his adaptation of Sophocles’ Antigone, which Eyes Wide Theatre Company hopes to stage in the autumn. Based in Dublin, Ger continues to write and contribute to Irish theatre, drawing inspiration from both classical drama and contemporary life.

Although he now lives and works in the capital, his heart remains firmly rooted in his native Cork.

Mission

He shook his hand, and that’s transubstantiation, he said.
The flakes of burned blackened paper fluttered around like black snow.
“That’s a big word, isn’t it?” he asked blowing on his fingers.
The children smiled back and laughed.
His obvious affection held their attention.
Betty, he said, addressing his sister in the congregation, have we – a few pence for these special people?
The smiles on the children’s faces brightened further.
He did this every year,
a ritual in a ritual
that in his hands was truly a celebration.
He stood at the door as people filed out.
Ava pulled away from her dad,
threw her arms around him
and whispered,
“I love you, Father.”

Backstage

I was plugged into an electric socket, crackling and sparking.
Waiting in the dark behind a flat.
House lights dim
The audience hush.
My chest feels like an empty barrel, my heart hammering on its sides.
Lines abandon me.
I walk onto the stage, sit at a desk, pick up a phone.
Lights up.
Mouth open.
Words pour out.
Relief floods in.

Please Notice

I am good at lots of things.
Sometimes I don’t realise I am good.
Tell me.
I sometimes find things a bit hard, I might not be as quick as others, or as slow.
Please notice.
Sometimes I get it and want to move on, other times I need you to slow down.
Please Notice
I love stories and I like when you help me share mine
Thank you.
I listen better when I like the room I’m in, when you give me a choice, when I can talk to my friends about what we are listening to, when I can ask questions, when I feel safe.
Please Notice.
I feel good when you notice my successes and help me with my mistakes.
I feel good when you ask me what I think.
I like when things are the same, but I also like new things.
More than anything, I like when school is fun and I can laugh with my friends.