Poet, Playwright and Author to give a rehearsed reading in Portlaoise

Playwright, poet and author Dagogo Hart will give Laois audiences a tantalising sample of his new play Palmfist this Thursday, October 23.  

The Nigerian Irish writer’s latest work, Palmfist, centres around the themes of masculinity, parenthood and loss. 

Palmfist tells the story of a father whose son is not his biological son and who ends up in a custody battle with his son’s biological father after the death of his wife. 

Dagogo hopes his work can start a conversation about loss and masculinity. He is looking forward to bringing a rehearsed reading of the production to the Duanmaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise on Thursday, October 23.  

The rehearsed reading aims to bring the concept to audiences before the full production which is planned for next year. “The script is pretty close to being ready,” Dagogo told the Leinster Express/ Laois Live.

He is hoping the rehearsed reading will attract backing for the final production.  A brief post-reading chat is welcome for press, programmers, and producers interested in coverage, partnerships, or future presentations.

Dagogo has featured on radio and television, led poetry workshops and showcases across Ireland and West Africa. He is also the author of Lantern Smoke, a children’s book released in August 2025 with Gill Books. 

He is also a co-founder of WeAreGriot, a collective committed to platforming Black Irish voices through performance poetry, storytelling, and collaboration.

Tickets to the rehearsed reading of Palmfist in the Dunamaise Arts Centre are free but limited to capacity. Doors open 7.30pm. Box Office (access queries): 057 866 3355.