'Hurried Steps' by Dacia Maraini at NIDA Theatres, Playhouse

'Hurried Steps' by Dacia Maraini at NIDA Theatres, Playhouse

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Posted 2016-11-25 by Maria-MPG Narrativesfollow

Fri 25 Nov 2016 - Sun 27 Nov 2016



As part of the UN Women's Campaign, 'Hurried Steps' is a play posing many questions about violence against women and girls. Playing at NIDA Theatres, Playhouse and New Theatre, Sydney this weekend, the play is portrayal of stories covering the social ills of (amongst others) rape, honour killings, sex trafficking and female genital mutilation. Heavy topics I know, but it's a conversation we have to have to bring about social change.



Darcia Maraini, an award-winning Italian playwright, wrote the play to be performed as a staged reading, ie 'oratorio style'. The five actors read a selection of true stories from abused women in various parts of Europe, UK, Mexico, Nigeria, Tibet, Albania and an Australian story written especially for this production.

The play asks many tough questions such as "Why is violence against women prevalent in all countries and cultures, and across all social, religious, geographical and cultural groups?"

To say this play is powerful is an understatement. Through the use of only words, the actors compel the audience to listen to these harrowing stories.

I was privileged to see the play on 'White Ribbon Day' (November 25) and had the pleasure of meeting an ambassador for the White Ribbon Foundation, Mr Alan McKinnon. Mr McKinnon was one of the speakers on the expert panel after the play.

Also part of the expert panel were Dr Nesrin Varol, gynaecological surgeon whose research in FGM helps women and girls affected by this invasive, unnecessary practise and Fatu Sillah, an FGM survivor in her final year of Bachelor of Social Work at UWS.

The panel was introduced to the audience by director Nicolette Kay. Each performance will have a different panel of experts from various services available to victims.



Social change is happening, albeit slowly, because of plays like 'Hurried Steps' and organisations such as 'White Ribbon'. It is this type of awareness along with education and support that will bring about change in every socio-economic class.

Children grow up believing in and trusting the adults around them. These adults are meant to protect them but many victims are abused by someone they know. Violence happens because of a lack of respect, and it is this disrespect that has to be addressed. Education and awareness WILL make a difference.

The message for victims is that they are not alone, and especially in countries such as Australia, they can speak up because help is available.

As abhorrent as violence against women and girls is, the conversation needs to keep going, and now it has begun it's time to do something about ending it for the good of future generations.

The Cast -
**Olivia Brown
Grant Cartwright
Bodelle de Ronde
Emele Ugavule
Lex Marinos OAM
**

Tickets to 'Hurried Steps' are available here with further information is available here

Supporting UN WOMEN'S CAMPAIGN - 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

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!date 25/11/2016 -- 27/11/2016
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158071 - 2023-06-14 14:39:28

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