proVoke

– to rouse to strong feeling or action

No generation in Ireland underwent such a social rebellion as the OAPs of today. Their evolution from teen to adult in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s coincided with a global rise in nonconformism, rebellion, and protest. With domestic TV, we witnessed firsthand political upheaval across NI, the USA, France, Asia, and beyond. We also experienced a social revolution in sex, fashion, drugs, race, music, broadcasting, and travel, plus embraced a host of new initiatives and progressive businesses within the arts, media, and publishing. And emerging from this cauldron of the hippy 60s and punk 70s were the creative pioneers and the commercial trailblazers who opened venues and theatres and established magazines, pirate radio stations, and arts festivals. Today’s OAPs were in the audience (some at the coal face), and regardless of their age now, their lifelong passion for innovation remains, as this generation is hot-wired to embrace ‘the new’ across all genres of culture and the arts. And come election time, we’re supposed to be happy with a few extra euros on the pension! The V in proVoke = two fingers!

In February 2025, Sideline Productions and The Project Arts Centre had planned to fill a vital gap in the Dublin city arts calendar with proVoke—a festival of ideas, spoken word, podcasts, Q&As, comedy, theatre, and music—designed and curated for the over-50s who look forward to and are excited by an extended life. But the commitment to produce and direct BALLROOM BLITZ with Adam Clayton meant that the venture had to be shelved. But the passion has not dimmed. The future impact of proVoke will serve as a platform to spark other activists to develop their own local live events, groups and artists within their own communities. Why not similar future festivals nationwide as more and more supporters hop on board? The long-term objective is that proVoke will further enrich and motivate our 3rd Actors to engage physically, artistically, and personally with new challenges throughout the year. So let’s move the dial on our 3rd Act as we encourage OAPs to follow their dreams and explore what ‘do you want to be when you grow up?’. And in the process engage with and attract a younger generation who not only enjoy their parents choices in travel, live entertainment, and the arts, but also realise and appreciate that their future as an OAP is also pending.

The long-term plan is that similar community festivals could be staged in cultural centres nationwide and as a result, stimulate further local talent and events throughout the year to not only create new work but also new friends. More older people suffer from loneliness than illness and, as a result, often fall into bad habits regarding social isolation, exercise, and diet. So proVoke also offers this often silent minority a platform to engage and collaborate with old and new friends. What’s not to like?

Let’s offer the stage to a generation that grew up with rock and roll; embraced all forms of rebellion plus dove head first into a wide social revolution in sexual freedom, civil rights and so much more. Most do not foresee themselves as ‘old’ or OAPS. We’re more like Old Age Punks!

Health willing we also have another 20 or 30 years to look forward to so let’s make it interesting, challenging and provocative.

FACT – there are more over 65s living in Ireland today than under 18s and the major difference is our older group have a political vote. proVoke will give them something to shout about.  Especially so close to a general election!

If you have ideas, suggestions and a passion for cultural/societal change E billy@sideline.ie