THE reality of statelessness in the UK and overseas will be brought to the stage by a Bradford-based theatre company as part of Refugee Week (June 19 to 25).

'Free to Stay' - described as a play about 'belonging and an exploration of life without nationality' was inspired by research with people who have first hand experience of statelessness in the UK and overseas.

Co-artistic directors, Jen Nevin and Mike Auger from Bradford-based Displace Yourself Theatre, spent six months on the Thailand-Myanmar border working with stateless adults and children as well as people who had fled war and forced-labour. This was followed by ongoing research residencies across the country, creating the work in collaboration with individuals who have sought refuge in the UK in partnership with the British Red Cross Refugee Support Service.

The play's creative producer, Ben Rothera, explains it will be the first time the full production of 'Free to Stay' will be performed at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds.

"We are a Bradford-based company so to be able to perform at the West Yorkshire Playhouse is great. We have performed at a lot of venues locally, we have got a good relationship with Theatre in the Mill but it is really nice to be part of Refugee Week because it is so relevant."

Ben says more than 600 are statelessness in Europe and about 10 million worldwide. "It is a really urgent and prevalent issue."

He explains how the play uses striking physical theatre, stunning projection along with a powerful soundtrack mixed with personal testimonies.

Following the performance at the West Yorkshire Playhouse at 1.30pm on Wednesday June 21, Ben says they are hoping to take the play to the Theatre in the Mill in Bradford as part of a tour in September and October.

'Free to Stay' forms part of a week-long programme of performances at the West Yorkshire Playhouse which is nationally renowned for its pioneering work supporting refugees and asylum seekers - becoming the UK's first Theatre of Sanctuary in 2014.

The week begins with a social event ‘Theatre of Sanctuary Big Get Together,’for refugees and asylum seekers on Monday June 19. This will form part of the nationwide 'Great Get Together' inspired by the late Batley and Spen MP, Jo Cox.

Other plays included in the Refugee Week programme are Windows of Displacement (Tues 20 – Wed 21 June), the premiere of the new solo show choreographed and performed by Yorkshire performer, Akeim Toussaint Buck and Scattered (Thur 22 June) by Tim Baker, based on the original production by Theatr Clwyd, and directed by John Young, a story of friendship between two teenage boys from contrasting backgrounds.

An insightful talk for the public aimed at de-mystifying the reality of refugees’ experiences takes place on Thurs 22 June at 5.30pm.

West Yorkshire Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining said: “West Yorkshire Playhouse is a theatre that tells incredible stories, and we’re a richer cultural organisation because of the diversity of the city. We embrace and celebrate Refugee Week with performances and conversations which speak to and about the real experiences of many people who now find themselves living here. Theatre has an incredible potential to connect people from all walks of life and we hope our programme sparks conversation and thinking between all sorts of audiences whether they have just arrived or lived here all their lives.”

As a Theatre of Sanctuary, West Yorkshire Playhouse offers a range of activities to support refugees and asylum seekers, such as a dedicated women’s choir, youth and drama groups and special ticket offers.

For more information, or to get involved, visit wyp.org.uk