Bristol Theatre Maker Brings New Writing To Clifton Theatre

Leaving is Hard will coincide with an international campaign calling to end violence against women and girls

“Giving women a voice and space to share their stories, uninterrupted,” is a fundamental part of actor and theatre maker Siri Bolin’s work.

The Bath Spa University graduate is flourishing in the early stage of her career. She’s currently an Emerge Studio resident.

Emerge has been a key programme supporting creative gradates and community artists over the last five years. It’s the university’s dedicated space that supports over thirty residents each year. This is through studio residencies, mentoring and professional development.

It aims to help graduates in freelance and self-employed careers whilst also becoming part of Bath’s creative fabric.

This year Siri co-wrote and directed feminist play Lock Up Your Sons. Daughters Run Free! The play explored sexual assault and sparked conversations around domestic violence. It was staged as part of Sparkfest which takes place in Bath.

In 2024, she staged her first performance piece Look! Art. It was an investigation into how we view art, taking place at the Holburne Museum in Bath.

In November, Bristol-based Siri will be coming to to Alma Tavern Theatre with her new one-woman show about domestic abuse – Leaving is Hard.

The play has been in development for the last two years. It’s been described by audiences who have seen it in development as “provoking” and a “very moving piece of theatre.”

The story draws from a real tragedy that occurred in Sweden – where the play is set.

Thea is excited to be graduating. She’s starting her own life, which is revolving around dancing, partying and meeting family and societal expectations. When she starts a new relationship her life feels perfect. But it soon turns into a nightmare.

The play comes in the same month the United Nations marks an annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The international campaign focuses on ending violence against women and girls, ending on Human Rights Day.

Siri says the story “resonates widely” but that it’s “especially urgent for women”.

“Performance can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and sparking conversation, in a way that news stories alone can not, and I hope this piece contributes meaningfully to that effort,” she says.

Leaving Is Hard will be at the Alma Tavern Theatre on 15 November 2025

For more information or to book, visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/almatheatrecompany/1855970

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