Current Productions
ESPE.
ESPE is the brand new solo by Jen Wren. The project is currently in the research and development phase, but Jen recently sat down with trustee Phil Sanger to talk about her ideas and the artists she will be collaborating with to bring this story to life.
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“Slanjayvah Danza is back by popular demand… stunningly beautiful and breathtakingly expressive.”
— Debbie Shine, Ballet Magazine
ESPE Synopsis
ESPE is an epic and intimate solo performance. The dance of a travellers tale born from the fire of persecution, drawing upon ancestral bloodlines and rhythms.
Full off strength, rejection, humour, and hope Espe is a fierce truth teller, a yellow flare of the celestial 8th House.
Born and raised in Scotland. She is a descendant of the Clans from the West, bloodline of the witches of the East, a child of the northern lights and a great-granddaughter of the Andalucian sun.
ESPE’s tale questions: are our doubts mere echoes of our inner demons, inherent traits, celestial alignments, or are they instead insidious seeds sown by others?
After a lifetime of self-censorship, ESPE embodies a spirit that defies those who presume to define her, without enquiry.
What does it feel like to “fit in”, and what happens when you stop trying?
For every naysayer and bully who doubted her abilities, strength, and resilience, Espe dares to exist on her own terms, even in the face of societal discomfort, to challenge identity, expectation, and belonging.
ESPE draws from her multiple cultures, art forms and languages, combining traditional and contemporary arts from Scotland, Cape Breton, Ireland and Spain. She dances, sings, plays music and crafts on stage.
Unapologetic, ESPE lures audiences to the edge of their seats as she finally embraces every aspect of her character, exposing her true self whilst leaving the audience wondering, what on earth is she going to do next?
Artists
Concept, Co-writer, Performer - Jen Wren
Co writer/Director - Pat Kinevane
Dramaturg/Rehearsal Director - Rob Heaslip
Collaborators - Susanna Aguilar and Luisa Galan (Flamenco), Jenny MacKenzie (Cape Breton Step Dance)
Co-composers - Calum MacCrimmon (Piobroch /Canterrach) and Luke Sutherland (instrumental and electronics)
Performances and Touring
We are currently in the studio with ESPE, enjoying the research and development phase. Check back soon for information about work-in-progress sharing’s, workshops and future touring. Or better still, sign up below and be the first to hear about it.