Staging Violence Against Women and Girls: Plays and Interviews

Staging Violence Against Women and Girls is a collection of three contemporary plays that denounce gendered violence, along with interviews with their creators and practitioners who have staged them in different national contexts. The plays present FGM/C from the points of view of by-standers, anti-FGM/C activists, health professionals, women who perpetuate the practice, and survivors, and explore how judicial procedures and attitudes toward sexual violence tend to turn rape survivors from accusers into accused.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Staging Violence Against Women and Girls is a powerful collection of three contemporary plays that denounce gendered violence, along with insightful interviews with their creators and the practitioners who have brought them to life in diverse national contexts.

Little Stitches (London, 2014): Comprising four captivating short pieces by Isley Lynn, Raúl Quirós Molina, Bahar Brunton, and Karis E. Halsall, this play offers a multi-faceted perspective on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). Through the eyes of by-standers, anti-FGM/C activists, health professionals, women who perpetuate the practice, and survivors themselves, it sheds light on this devastating issue.

'Kubra' (Sydney, 2016): Written by Dacia Maraini, this poignant short play delves into the experiences of a young woman who was subjected to FGM/C as a child and, years later, courageously takes her case to court in pursuit of justice. It explores the complexities of seeking redress for such heinous acts and the challenges faced by rape survivors in the legal system.

A Trial for Rape (Rome, 2018): Adapted for the stage by Renato Chiocca from the internationally acclaimed 1979 documentary of the same name, this play vividly portrays how judicial procedures and attitudes towards sexual violence often transform rape survivors into accused individuals. It sheds light on the systemic injustices and the urgent need for change.

In their interviews, the writers, directors, and producers share their creative processes and the profound impact of bringing these works to life. They highlight the urgency of raising awareness about these forms of violence and providing a platform for survivors to share their stories.

Staging Violence Against Women and Girls serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of those affected by gender-based violence. Through the power of theatre, these plays offer a glimpse into the lives of survivors and the tireless efforts of activists and advocates working to end this scourge. They remind us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and collective action in the fight for a world free from violence and oppression.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350329706