On today's episode, we welcome Gemma Whelan, author of the new novel Painting Through the Dark, from Portland’s Shangana Press. Gemma’s an award-winning director, screenwriter, and teacher. She was the founding Artistic Director of Wilde Irish Productions in the Bay Area, and of Corrib Theatre here in Portland. Gemma has been directing and teaching at universities and conservatories in the U.S, Ireland, and Asia for over 35 years. She attended Dublin’s Trinity College, and has grad degrees from UC Berkeley in Theatre and San Francisco State University in Film. Painting Through the Dark is Gemma’s second novel. Her first, Fiona: Stolen Child, was published in 2011.
In the words of writer Rene Denfeld: “Painting Through the Dark probes how far we will go to avoid, and then confront, the truth. It is a testimony to our ability to survive, against all the odds."
If you're in the Portland area, and would like to meet Gemma, she'll be appearing at Annie Bloom's Books, joined by Joaquin Lopez, on Thursday, March 2nd at 7pm.
- KBOO