From garda to nude performance artist — 'Bare' star Janette Towey on pushing herself out her comfort zone
Janette Towey, a former garda, is one of six performance artists taking part in 'Bare', an immersive theatre experience exploring human vulnerability through a living gallery of performers at the Bolt Theatre, 4 St Patrick’s Quay, Cork. Pictures: Chani Anderson
As a former garda who spent much of her youth defined by a uniform, performance artist Janette Towey enjoys the sense of freedom that being naked in public brings.
The 57-year-old from Kilworth will be among a group of actors baring all for their art in a living gallery event taking place in Bolt Theatre, Cork City, from Saturday, October 17, until Sunday, November 15.
Titled , the immersive experience will feature human exhibits instead of statues. The event provides audiences with the opportunity to not only observe art, but converse with it too.
Featured performers will be stripping down for the spectacle in both a physical and emotional sense. Each of them will adopt the role of a character of their own making who will chat openly about their lives with audience members.
This will be Janette Towey’s second time featuring in the production, which gives people a chance to interact with art in a unique way.
“A lot of people who came to see the show last time opened up to me about everything, even the tragedies they had experienced, which was extremely humbling,” Janette recalled.
“I'm a former member of An Garda Síochána, which meant that for a long time I was a shoulder to cry on. I’m always there when people want to share stuff, and never take people’s trust for granted no matter what profession I’m in.”
She described how shedding one’s clothes can often remove barriers and misconceptions.
“Over the years I have worn many different kinds of uniforms,” the Kilworth native said.
“I was originally based in Dublin City and later in Cork City. I covered lots of ground during my time as a garda. You would have seen me on motorbikes and helping tackle drug crime. I did plain-clothes for a time, but for the majority of my service I was in uniform.
"People can often judge you based on a uniform. I suppose it all depends on that person's experience of a garda, but the reality is that every garda is a human being who is just trying to get through their day.
"They have a family and bills to pay, like a lot of other people, but people sometimes forget that.
"These days I work as an osteopath, and I wear a uniform in this role too.
"The important thing to remember is that no matter what you’re wearing, fundamentally you are still the same.”
Janette, who is also a college lecturer, wasn’t hesitant about shedding her clothes.
“When Darren [Kelleher, the director] proposed the idea back in early 2026, that part was fine with me. My main worry wasn’t about the nudity, but about how I was going to build and develop a decent character. To be honest, I wasn’t even thinking about the nudity part.
"I just wanted it to be a good performance. I like being challenged, which is probably at the root of why I’m doing this.
"You are nude up there. It’s not exactly massively comfortable, but it’s pushing me out of my comfort zone, and I relish that. I relish a challenge. I’ve had a number of careers throughout my life, and I just love driving forward all the time.”
The Cork woman enjoys the exciting nature of performance art.
“Life can be very boring, as most people probably realise. I was involved in sport at a high level when I was young, so I’ve always been chasing that adrenaline. A show like this leaves you with so much adrenaline. You can do mundane stuff every day, so it’s nice to have the chance to do something really different.”
Janette has always followed her own path.
“I usually just drive on and do stuff before anyone else is even told about it. Not everyone is going to be amazed by what you're doing.
"The fact is that they’re probably just concerned for you, but I know what I want and what is right for me, so I prefer to just drive forward.”
Meanwhile, director Darren Kelleher hopes to replicate the success of the previous event, which took place last April.
“We always knew the performers would be exposed,” Kelleher said.
“What we hadn't anticipated was how willing some audience members would be when exposing something of themselves in return.
"The exhibits began sharing and, very naturally, people sitting opposite them were sharing too.”
He lauded the honesty of audience members, adding: “At times it became almost like a modern confessional, just two human beings allowing themselves to speak openly about the things they carry in their minds, their hearts, and their lives.
"That level of engagement is never demanded. Some audience members during the first run spoke deeply and personally. Others spent entire sessions observing or listening without saying anything at all.
“There is no correct way to experience . Some people spoke, and some simply listened. Both were equally valid.”
To find out more or purchase tickets, visit www.boltproductions.ie. Phones and recording devices are strictly prohibited, and can be left in the cloakroom before entering the theatre. Performances will include both daytime and evening sessions.
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