Blanket Ban

Blanket Ban is a play that was written by Marta and Davinia. It is about the restrictions on the freedom of women in Malta, which has the world's most progressive LGBTQIA+ rights, leading transgender laws, and a population that is almost unanimously anti-choice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 72 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Winner of New Diorama, Underbelly and Methuen Dramas Untapped Award 2022, Finalist for Best Performance Piece at the Offies Awards 2024, Blanket Ban is a powerful play that delves into the complex issue of abortion laws in Malta. Written by actors and activists Marta and Davinia, who conducted three years of anonymous interviews with contributors and drew from their own personal experiences, the play explores the paradoxical nature of Malta's reputation as a progressive nation with regard to LGBTQIA+ rights and leading transgender laws, while simultaneously having a largely anti-choice population.

The play takes place in Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its Catholic culture, golden sun, deep blue sea, and participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. However, Malta also has a strict blanket ban on abortion, with no exceptions for rape, incest, or health reasons. This ban has led to a significant amount of controversy and debate in the country, with proponents arguing that it protects the life of the unborn child and opponents arguing that it violates women's rights to make their own reproductive decisions.

Through Blanket Ban, Marta and Davinia examine the impact of this ban on the lives of women in Malta. They explore the experiences of those who have sought abortions or faced difficulties accessing reproductive healthcare, as well as the emotional toll that the ban has taken on individuals and families. The play also raises questions about the role of religion and cultural norms in shaping attitudes towards abortion and the challenges that women face in challenging these norms.

One of the key themes of Blanket Ban is the intersection of gender, sexuality, and reproductive rights. The play explores how the ban on abortion disproportionately affects women, particularly those who are marginalized or vulnerable. It highlights the need for intersectional feminism and the recognition of the diverse experiences of women across different social and economic backgrounds.

Another theme of the play is the power of storytelling and the ability of art to raise awareness and challenge societal norms. Blanket Ban uses a combination of drama, music, and multimedia elements to create a powerful and immersive experience for the audience. The play employs a minimalist set design, with simple props and costumes, to focus attention on the words and performances of the actors.

Throughout the play, Marta and Davinia use their own experiences and the stories of others to shed light on the complexities of abortion laws and the impact they have on women's lives. They challenge the notion that abortion is simply a political issue and argue that it is a deeply personal and emotional decision that requires careful consideration and respect.

Blanket Ban has received critical acclaim since its debut in 2022. The play has been performed at various venues in the United Kingdom, including the Underbelly Cowgate in Edinburgh, where it was published in conjunction with the production. The play has been praised for its powerful performances, its nuanced portrayal of characters, and its ability to raise awareness about the issue of abortion laws in Malta.

In conclusion, Blanket Ban is a powerful and thought-provoking play that delves into the complex issue of abortion laws in Malta. Written by actors and activists who have personal experiences with the issue, the play explores the paradoxical nature of Malta's progressive reputation and its largely anti-choice population. Through its powerful performances, nuanced portrayal of characters, and use of multimedia elements, Blanket Ban raises awareness about the impact of abortion laws on women's lives and challenges societal norms around gender, sexuality, and reproductive rights.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350357563