We’re delighted to announce that the recipient of the Four Nations Outdoor Arts Bursary is Jen Nevin of Displace Yourself Theatre and the development of her performance, ‘Where the Souls Go’.
Jen is an experienced theatre-maker and director, and this award will see her make and tour her work in an outdoor setting for the first time. ‘Where the Souls Go’ will be performed at Surge Festival in Glasgow (Scotland), BD:Festival in Bradford (England), Spraoi Festival in Waterford (Ireland), and Green Man Festival in the Brecon Beacons (Wales) throughout the summer of 2024.
“I am currently directing and producing a new mid to large-scale outdoor project with the ambition to tour to similar festivals in the coming years. This project will be a great opportunity to gain experience in devising, producing and touring outdoor work. A significant step change in how I develop my intimate studio work for outdoor settings”
‘Where the Souls Go’ is an adaptation of the Irish folk tale ‘The Soul Cages’ and will be brought to life through quirky and colourful performance that combines movement, live music, and storytelling that invites audiences to join the quest to release all the souls that are trapped at sea. The show promises to be a highly visual family show, and comes with an important message:
“With overwhelming headlines about thousands of unnamed souls losing their lives daily around the world, this project asks important questions about those souls. How do we honour them? How can we process the collective grief and release these souls together? ‘Where the Souls Go’ sets out to be a tonic to that which divides us: a compassionate celebration of life.”
Lisa Mallaghan, Director of Bradford Producing Hub said
“‘Where the Souls Go’ is built on Jen’s passion for telling important stories about displacement in accessible and innovative ways. We’re so excited to see how this opportunity helps Jen and Displace Yourself Theatre take their next steps as a key part of the Bradford cultural programme in the build-up to our UK City of Culture year.”
Jen will be joined by her creative team including Devising Performer – Mike Auger, Movement Director – Fabiano Culora and Designer – Jane Bizimana.
The Four Nations Outdoor Arts Bursary was made available to Bradford artists by the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Bradford 2025 and Bradford Producing Hub.
Photography by Elvis Katoto.
