Domestic Violence – Rhymes with Silence…new play
Mothering becomes complicated by violence. How do you protect your children? How do you keep the home safe? When do you leave?
Adina David
A women tries to convince herself (and police) that her abusive husband is her ‘knight’; a daughter toasts her dead mother as she recalls her violent childhood they shared; the mother of a violent man seeks forgiveness from the mother of the woman he murdered; survivor testimonies; a custody gameshow and a light-hearted look at unsuccessful intervention.
These are just some of the scenarios presented in an astonishing,provocative theatrical event in Sydney this May that grapples powerfully –
Joy Roberts
sometimes controversially – with issues of motherhood & domestic violence.
RHYMES WITH SILENCE is a collection of new short plays about domestic violence. And about mothers.
It takes place at 107 Projects in Redfern, Sydney over two weekends from 16-24 May.
Comprising 13 new plays, written by 9 Australian writers and starring 26 actors (with a dozen directors at the helm!) each piece is connected to create one narrative through a common thread of design and theme.
Liz Hovey
Among our community’s star actors featured are Adina David and Liz Hovey and overall artistic director is the mercurial Joy Gila Roberts.
Roberts says the focus of the production is theatre for social development.
“The subject of domestic violence is regularly hidden within our community due to fear or shame. This is a wonderful opportunity to get together and speak-up about the harsh realities. It strengthens our society and moves us towards better dealing with the issue.”
Though the show is suitable only for adults as it does touch on sensitive topics, it would be thought-provoking not only for those who have experienced domestic violence but to anyone who is affected by it. “And that means everyone really,” says Roberts. “Domestic violence is not far from anyone.”
“When mothers become victims of domestic violence, there is no easy answer, no easy way out,” adds playwright Vee Malnar of Mamapalooza Sydney, who contributed three of the pieces. “And mothers are often the first to be blamed if the children are not protected.”
Produced by Improvising Change, Rhymes with Silence creates a world of real stories in a safe, shared space.
107 Projects, 107 Redfern St, Redfern from 16-24 May.
Six performances only: 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th May 2015 –
Saturdays 7pm, Sundays 2pm & 7pm
Tickets $20 online (plus booking fee) or $25 at the door www.moshtix.com.au
More info www.improvisingchange.com/rhymes-with-silence
Supported by- DVNSW, Women’s Legal Service NSW, Actors Anonymous and Mamapalooza
