THEATRE
Displace Yourself Theatre’s mission is to create exciting, accessible and original theatre that motivates audiences to be active in promoting equality for every member in our society, without exception. At the heart of all our shows beats a thorough and intimate process of co-creation, working closely and sensitively with people who have direct experience of the themes and ideas we are exploring, and providing a platform for these communities to use theatre to have their voices heard.
All our work is devised with an inclination towards physical theatre — often using fragments of images and text, woven together by original sound scores and an embodied movement language.
Previous Work
Eden (2014)
Exploring the emotional realities of homelessness, inspired by a conversation between Jen and a Big Issue seller outside Leeds Playhouse, followed by nationwide work with people with experience of homelessness.
“Told with conviction, authority and consummate skill by Displace Yourself Theatre and it accurately relates their painstaking research” Review of EDEN by Urban Sprawl
Free to Stay (2016)
A piece about statelessness and migration which began its life collaborating for during another 6 months with people on the Thai-Myanmar border who had fled war and forced labour, followed by in-depth research with sanctuary seekers in the UK.
“A very powerful visceral experience that challenged the watcher emotionally, physically and spiritually which was a refreshing change” Juliet Forster – Associate Director, York Theatre Royal
Food for Thought (2018)
About global food poverty and mass food production – realised through the European BeSpectActive project. The process explored ‘active spectatorship’ and was created with communities in the UK, Hungary & Italy. The piece premiered at Kilowatt Festival, Sansepolcro before touring UK.
“It has been a long time since I have seen a young company combining such skill and talent” Alan Lane, Artistic Director, Slung Low
Inner Circle (2022)
Follows the story of a family of outcasts and misfits, brought together by the violent world around them. Inner Circle is an exploration of true inclusion, acceptance and what it means to belong. Made with support from founder and AD of Kneehigh Theatre Company, Mike Shepherd, and in collaboration with LGBTQ+ communities. (Touring the UK in Spring 2023.)
“Filled with fun, play, song, dance and stories of loss and hope. I loved that the performers were making discoveries on stage. The music was infectious. I was totally drawn in.“ Umar Butt – Actor, Writer & Director. Associate Artist, Arc Stockton Arts Centre
Petrichor
Co-Created and performed with a group of 15 refugees and asylum seekers. It was an experiment in therapeutic collaboration with this group, exploring the word ‘Petrichor’ which means the smell, or the anticipation of rain. With stories, music and imagery from across the globe.
“Petrichor was a moving, honest and powerful piece about the reality of people’s journeys.” Chloe Lawrence, Programmes Manager, ARC Stockton