A Brisbane production of the play Hurried Steps by Dacia Maraini is being staged by RedVentures Theatre Action Group on 17 November as part of the global movement to end violence against women and girls.
Hurried Steps – translated by Sharon Wood from the Italian original Passi affrettati – tells a series of true and poignant stories of women and girls from around the world who have experienced violence and persecution, as reported to Amnesty International. The accounts differ in their cultural contexts but all have in common heartfelt, optimistic beginnings and a sobering – if not devastating – progression.
The Brisbane performance is directed by Ainsley Burdell, with musical director Marina Aboody Thacker. It involves 8 non-professional actors and the women’s community choir The Embers, conducted by Christine Grodd.
The play, delivered in rehearsed reading style, will be followed by a forum discussion to allow further exploration of the issues raised, with a panel of people experienced in working in women’s support services. The event will be held at Reload Warehouse Space, Salisbury, on Saturday 17 November, 4pm.
Dacia Maraini was commissioned to write the play by Amnesty International Italy, to support their ‘Stop Violence Against Women and Girls’ campaign. Maraini adapted, amalgamated and dramatised testimonies given to Amnesty by women and she called the play Passi affrettati. Maraini is an internationally renowned novelist, poet, playwright and journalist. In much of her work and campaigning, she has focused on the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls. This play works as a springboard to illustrate, inform and stimulate the ensuing post performance discussion.
All proceeds from the event will go to Women’s House, a feminist, community based non-government organisation. Women’s House has provided services and facilities to women in Brisbane affected by violence since 1975.
RedVentures member Chantal Eastwell, who works for Women’s House, says the initiative was developed from “a desire to give voice to these women’s really important stories. Although these are very different stories, the common thread of men’s power, privilege and entitlement connects these stories in different contexts.”
Appearing in the play are Desi Achilleos and Ale Cruz Galich who also work for Women’s House. Talking about Hurried Steps and its relevance to their work at the centre Desi said: “It’s not surprising how universal women’s experience of violence is. The play captures common experiences from different cultures that are often played out in Australia. There’s still so much work to do to stop violence against women”.
Other actors in the play commented:
- Dilsah de Rham: “it’s a reality that needs to be put out there. Stereotypes need to broken down. Starting now, for the future of women.”
- Moreton King: “It’s remarkable to work with a set of stories that so clearly illustrate the range of abuses and turmoils that people face in their lives. And to take the chance to let people know that things can be changed. Regardless of your experience you are not alone.”
- Giuliano Perez Reyes: “I think it’s hard to grasp the many shapes forms and depth of violence that women can experience. These stories definitely give you an insight into them.”
All are welcome to attend this event which promises to be a moving cross-cultural experience, aimed not only at raising awareness but supporting Women’s House and benefitting the local community. In staging Hurried Steps, the organisers hope to highlight the injustice of violence against women and girls, invoke compassion and generate passionate ideas around “What can be done?”.
Event summary:
Hurried Steps by Dacia Maraini (translated by Sharon Wood) followed by panel discussion.
17 November 2018, 4pm
Reload Warehouse Space
9 Chrome Street, Salisbury
Entry is $10, or $5 concession, or by donation.
Bar open.
Bookings and enquiries 0466 447350 or eventbrite.com.au
This non professional production has been arranged by New Shoes Theatre (UK) as part of the Pathways to Groups project supported by the Feminist Revue Trust and The Woodward Charitable Trust.
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