Maria is an independent theatre artist, who believes in the power of performance and storytelling. She has worked professionally for over 15 years in performance, writing and directing for theatre and performance workshop facilitation. Maria is currently the lead facilitator for Macnas Youth Theatre and has performed on several occasions with Macnas nationwide since 2010. Maria also facilitates workshops for Macnas at School. Maria is the artistic director of Galway-based Fregoli Theatre, founded in 2007 that has 27 productions to date. Maria was a founder and co-chair of Galway independent theatre collective Theatre57(2019 to 2023). Maria recently completed a practice based PhD with the University of Galway in the performance and politics of home which had a focus on performance in public space. She has worked as a youth worker in mental health and established the Bohermore Youth Drama Group with the Bohermore Community Project Galway, which she facilitated between 2008 and2016. She has taught a variety of workshops and classes in theatre practice in community and academic settings including at the University of Galway, and el Horno Teatro, Mexico City. Her areas of special interest are performance in public space, performance and community participation, performance social and ecological justice, and performance as acts of resistance, resilience and reassurance. She loves working outside, and connecting with space, place and people through art
