What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A sea swim followed by a song by a bonfire with my partner. Can I have Indian food too?
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
For anyone who remembers Monkey Magic, I choose Monkey (Son Gok? ). A little bit enlightenment and a little bit of punk irreverence sounds lovely.
Which living person do you most admire?
People who find the balance between kindness and speaking their truth.
Which is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Procrastination.
What is your greatest extravagance?
My bicycle.
What is your favourite journey?
Cycling to the sea and coming West on the train.
On what occasion do you lie?
As few as possible.
Which living person do you most despise?
Despising is a bit wasteful, but those who prey on the more vulnerable for profit.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My partner.
When and where were you happiest?
In the sea and telling stories/performing.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Acrobat.
What is your current state of mind?
Frustrated (with current treatment of those in the arts ).
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being present, and the creativity that brings.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?
If I say a cat, does that give me eight more tries?
What is your most treasured possession?
A great cast iron frying pan I’ve had for the longest time.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Feeling unloved.
What is your favourite occupation?
Most creative work that lets you get lost in it. Always wanted to make pots!
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Honesty, kindness, sense of humour.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Honesty, kindness, sense of humour.
Who are your favourite writers?
Edna O’Brien, Marina Carr, Kurt Vonnegut.
What is your motto?
Wherever you are, that’s where you’ll be.
Órla is a theatre maker, writer, and storyteller, living in the West of Ireland. She founded The Sky Babies and Moth & Butterfly arts collectives. She is also a member of Theatre57.
