I first met Richie O’Sullivan around 2010. Neither of us can remember exactly where it was, it could have been a Youth Theatre Festival in Co. Wexford or a Writing Workshop in Co. Tipperary. Either way, we got to know each other and our paths crossed a number of times during my time in Ireland.

Richie always seemed to be someone working. He was doing a show here, a tour there, writing a play, taking pictures. He was always busy. He has worked as a youth drama facilitator, a Stage Manager, a Producer, a Company Manager and presently is the Festival Administrator for Dublin Theatre Festival.

When I came back to Ireland I knew that I wanted to reconnect. This conversation was the first time that we had talked in a long time, and it was eye opening to learn more about Richie’s experiences in the intervening years. On the outside it looked like he had it all, from his perspective, he was struggling with the issues that long and unpredictable working hours were causing. He openly talks about how he has engaged with his career to regain some control and protect his mental health.

I always considered Richie to be a very creative person, but he feels that it is only in the last few years that he has started to feel comfortable talking about himself as creative.