About Dark Skies Ensemble
Dark Skies Ensemble is a pioneering theatre company founded and led by emerging director Ellie Jay Stevens. We are dedicated to creating compelling work with innovative artists, delving into the depths of human experience and exploring the complex emotions that shape our lives. Our performances are designed to captivate and engage, encouraging audiences to reflect on the beauty and challenges of life.
Our Mission
Based in Bristol, we tour our shows across the UK and beyond, bringing poignant narratives to diverse audiences. Our mission is to illuminate the intricate terrain of human experience through powerful storytelling and thoughtful design. We aim to address societal taboos and shed light on themes of human existence and grief, providing a platform for conversations that society often avoids.
Our Process
At Dark Skies Ensemble, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our process is highly collaborative, fostering the professional development of early-career creatives. By working closely with a diverse range of artists, we boost their insight into various creative areas, showcase their talents, and provide opportunities for growth. Our goal is to nurture a new generation of theatre practitioners who can confidently develop and create their own work, standing on their own two feet in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary theatre.
Our Journey
The journey of Dark Skies Ensemble began with our founder, Ellie Jay Stevens. Initially operating under the name ‘Rural Riches,’ our inaugural play, ‘A Stitch in Time,’ explored the realm of Verbatim theatre. In 2021, Ellie conducted interviews with women of various ages in Castle Douglas, a rural town in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. This production, based on firsthand interviews, challenged stereotypes and provided a more equitable representation of Scottish rural women.
Our second project involved a research and development week in 2021, bringing together ten emerging artists from Dumfries and Galloway. This initiative explored the experience of solo travel for women, drawing parallels with well-known fairytales like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White. Through text, poetry, and shadow puppetry, we delved into themes of vulnerability, strength, and the evolving identity of women in the modern world.
Recent Collaborations and Future Endeavors
In recent years, Dark Skies Ensemble has partnered with graduates from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BOVTS). These collaborations have helped us refine our focus on addressing grief and exploring what it means to be human. Our innovative design and new writing bring these stories to life in powerful new ways.
We are currently developing two exciting new shows: ‘The Strongest Girl in the World’ by Truly Siskind-Weiss and ‘How You Died’ by Edith Keays. These productions continue our commitment to exploring profound themes and inviting audiences to reflect on their own experiences.
Join Us
Join Dark Skies Ensemble as we transform the landscape of contemporary theatre. Experience performances that transport you to new realms of emotion and understanding, and engage with stories that reflect the depth and beauty of the human spirit. We invite you to be part of our journey, exploring life, loss, and everything in between.
