ABOUT US
Made by Welshies, for everyone.
Photography by David Edmunds
Purple String Productions is an emerging, Working-Class, Disabled/Neurodivergent-led arts organisation working across Wales and London.
We make, produce and support bold new work across gig theatre, spoken word, live music, performance, exhibitions, film and live events.
We care about stories that don't always get heard, artists who don't always get the opportunities, and creating spaces where people can make work on their own terms.
We're still growing, experimenting and finding our place - but at the heart of Purple String is a simple belief:
The arts should be for everyone.
OUR STORY
Growing up Working-Class highlighted the significant lack of voices like ours in mainstream media. We noticed that theatre, in particular, can be a powerful tool for representation and belonging, specifically through the rhythms and stories held within the voice.
This became the forefront of our goals, working with spoken word and the poetic nature of language to create bold, innovative and powerful work.
We champion Disabled artists, ensuring that we take up space in an industry that can sometimes feel overwhelming and inaccessible.
While theatre remains at the heart of our practice, our work continues to grow across performance, spoken word, music, exhibitions, film and other live events.
Ultimately, we are a community.
What We Do
We're an emerging arts organisation working across new writing, gig theatre, spoken word, rap, hip-hop, live music, performance, exhibitions and film.
We make our own work, produce alongside other artists and create opportunities for emerging creatives to develop, experiment and share their work.
We're interested in that crosses boundaries and doesn't fit neatly into one artform.
As a Disabled/Neurodivergent-led organisation, we consider access from the beginning in how we develop work, support artists and create experiences for audiences.
We're still growing and exploring what Purple String can be, but whatever form the work takes, we're passionate about bold ideas, new voices, meaningful access and giving artists an opportunity to connect and create.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND PURPLE STRING
Purple String is led by a small group of creatives, supported by a wider network of freelance artists, producers and collaborators we work with regularly.
We're an emerging organisation, and our work is built through collaboration rather than a large permanent team. We bring people in depending on the project, the skills needed and the communities we're working with.
Grace O'Brien
FOUNDER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CEO
Grace is a Welsh multidisciplinary artist, producer and actor from the Valleys in South Wales. She founded Purple String to create bold, accessible work that centres Working-Class, Disabled and Neurodivergent voices. Her practice spans theatre, spoken word, live performance, music and community work, with a particular interest in language, voice and experimenting with form.
Rachel Thomas
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER &
ACCESS SUPPORT WORKER
Rachel is a multidisciplinary producer, dramaturg and access support worker with extensive experience in new writing, neurodivergent-led and femme-led work. She also works as Company Producer for 7th Sense Theatre and brings experience across theatre development, producing and access.
Gemma Goulbourn
EVENTS & MARKETING ASSOCIATE
Gemma is a Welsh-Indian creative from Cardiff with a background in fashion business, performance and events. A National Youth Theatre and RWCMD-trained performer, she brings experience across creative events, marketing and working with young people and SEN communities. Gemma is about to start her MA in Immersive Arts at Uni of Bristol.
Conor Jones-Bishop
FINANCE ASSOCIATE
Conor has a background in law, banking and finance, bringing analytical and organisational skills to Purple String. He occasionally supports the company with finance, bookkeeping and the practical side of building a sustainable grassroots arts organisation.
Jenna Dykhoff
ASSOCIATE MUSICAL DIRCETOR
Jenna is a Welsh, Queer and Neurodivergent actor-musician, musical director, orchestrator and arranger. A multi-instrumentalist with a passion for music, Wales, neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ stories, Jenna brings a musical and collaborative approach to Purple String's work.