Favourite things: Aoife Spillane-Hinks

JM Synge is one of my heroes, and I spent much of my time in university working on and writing about his plays. This book was given to me by a family friend, the great Boston painter Arthur Polonsky, when I directed a student production of The Playboy of the Western World.

BENTO LUNCHBOX

I’m known for my love of cooking — and eating — and am particularly obsessed with traditional Japanese methods of preparing and serving food. This brightlycoloured bento box is a delightful riff on the quintessential Japanese lunchbox.

BRACELET

This was given to me by the parents of one of my best friends from university. It’s simple, solid, and beautiful and I feel strong and confident when I wear it.

MEXICAN BIRD MASK

My step-father brought this to me from Mexico. Besides being beautiful, it reminds me of the different forms of performance taking place around the world.

DRESS

My best friend, Zoe, gave this to me as I was packing to spend the summer in Ireland. I had only packed practical clothing, but she insisted that I bring this pretty dress. That summer led me to decide to move to Ireland a year later, and the dress came over with me then as well.

SHEEP SOFT TOY

I went to Achill Island with my boyfriend, Ryan, a few months ago, and we spent the weekend camping, swimming, and cooking our freshly caught fish over an open fire. He bought this for me on our drive home. I’ll never forget the happiness and simple beauty of that tiny holiday.

LEATHER BOOTS

My mother bought these boots in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1979. What an investment.

BIKE HELMET

I love cycling. I save so much money on transport, and after an exhilarating bike ride, I’m my best in rehearsal.

PHOTO OF MY FATHER AND ME

My father drove me to the airport when I emigrated from America to Ireland, and as he said goodbye he handed this to me. It’s a photo of him and me that he used to keep on his bureau.

DJEMBE (MALIAN DRUM)

This was made for me by one of my teachers when I spent three weeks in 2009 studying dance and drumming in Bamako, the capital of Mali.

Aoife Spillane-Hinks is associate director of Jane Eyre, now running at the Gate Theatre with Stephen Brennan and Andrea Corr. For bookings and more info check out www.gatetheatre.ie.