THIS MONTH, a new type of theatre experience hits the Swansea valley for one night only, as O’Driscoll Collective brings its new show, Something OUTTA Nothing to the Welfare Ystradgynlais on Thursday, May 21.
Something OUTTA Nothing is a playful, theatre adventure combining Breakin’ with immersive audio storytelling that puts audiences in the driver’s seat.
Dance and hip-hop fans are invited to grab a headset and join the journey of three friends as they hit the road in a rush to reach their own show. Once the engine starts, expect explosive breakin’ along with high energy hip hop before hitting the brakes for more loose and liquid movement. Along the way, audiences discover each artist’s individuality through real, relatable stories and personal perspectives.
Jamaal O’Driscoll is a Birmingham-based dance artist and founder of O’Driscoll Collective, a creative initiative rooted in breaking, conversation, and community care. Since entering the dance world in 2010, Jamaal has developed a strong technique in the hip-hop style breaking, with a particular focus on choreographic storytelling that celebrates individuality and supports mental health.
Over the past six years, Jamaal’s choreographic work has deepened through both indoor and outdoor settings, engaging diverse audiences and collaborators. His performances and workshops have featured in major platforms such as Birmingham International Dance Festival, Breakin’ Convention, The Place, South East Dance, and many more.
About the show, he explained: “With Something OUTTA Nothing, O’Driscoll Collective are putting you in control, allowing you to choose between different musical genres through your own audio headset, manipulating the music of live theatre.
“Switch from K-pop to Miles Davis or pure funk to local triumphs, something for every audience. Which sound suits the story? What music moves you? You decide.”
Choreographed by O’Driscoll himself, this piece blends his signature breakin’ style with each performer’s unique movement vocabulary, against conflicting sounds. He’s introduced the use of audio headsets with the ability to flick between channels, so every viewing unlocks a fresh perspective and new experience.
Something OUTTA Nothing visits the Welfare Ystradgynlais thanks to a grant from Arts Council Wales, supporting a partnership between Creu Cymru and Rural Touring Dance Initiative, to expand RTDI’s associate venue programme to three new venues in Wales (Welfare Ystradgynlais, Canolfan Ucheldre & Ammanford Miners Theatre). This is the second performance at the Swansea Valley venue as part of the initiative, following Altered Skin’s production of Fatherhood last autumn.
Tickets for the performance on Thursday, May 21 are available from the Welfare Ystradgynlais website or from the box office on 01639843163. The Welfare operates a pay what you choose ticketing policy, with tickets for this performance available from £10-£20.
