معرفی
P.J. Mathews is a Professor of Irish Literature, Drama and Culture at University College Dublin (UCD), based in the School of English, Drama and Film. He is a founding member and Director of the Creative Futures Academy at UCD and leads the Engaged Creativity research strand within the College of Arts and Humanities. He also serves as Chair of the UCD Council of Creative Fellows. Previously, he was a Visiting Professor of English at the University of Notre Dame and held leadership roles at the W.B. Yeats Winter School and Parnell Summer School.
His research centers on the Irish Revival, particularly the work of J.M. Synge, twentieth-century Irish writing, contemporary Irish theatre, and the Irish folk music revival. He has also engaged in cultural projects related to television documentary and academic podcasting. His major publications include The Cambridge Companion to J.M. Synge (2009), Handbook of the Irish Revival (co-edited with Declan Kiberd, 2016), and Revival (2003). He has contributed to television as Executive Producer of The Flourishing (RTÉ, 2021) and scriptwriter/Literary Advisor for Voices of Ireland (Sky Arts, 2021).
His recent scholarly articles reflect a consistent focus on cultural identity, nationalism, and performance. Themes include the theatricalization of historical events like the Easter Rising, the politics of language revival, and the intersection of music and national identity as seen in Riverdancing at the Meeting of the Waters. His work bridges literary scholarship with public engagement and interdisciplinary creativity.
- Royal Television Society Award (2022) – Best Specialist Factual for Voices of Ireland
- Foreword INDIES Bronze Award (2016) – Non-Fiction Reference
- Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards nominee (2015)
- Seedfunding awards for UCDscholarcast (2008, 2009)
Mathews has supervised and taught a wide range of modules including Creativity, Creative Approaches, Reading the Irish Revival, and JM Synge & Ireland of his Time. He has secured research grants such as the OBRSS Research Support Scheme (2016–2023). Beyond academia, he serves on the RTÉ Board as Chair of the Programme and Strategy Committees and has acted as an external examiner for institutions in Ireland, France, and the UK. He is the Founder and Director of Academic Podcasting for UCDscholarcast, promoting digital scholarship.
He is actively involved in public engagement through initiatives like the Creative Futures Academy's live arts events and symposia, including the annual Yeats Winter School. His work exemplifies a fusion of rigorous academic research with creative and civic leadership.
