Powerful Drama Production Challenges Attitudes to Sexual Violence
A new play from Belfast writer Gary Mitchell takes an eyes-wide-open look at the aftermath of being a survivor of sexual assault, the culture it thrives in and the ways people don’t deal with it.
Students from across the district will attend a dramatic production of the Replay Theatre Company’s Body Count at the Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick on 19 November, with support from The Executive Office Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Momentum Funding.
The Council works with a range of partners to tackle the EVAWG issue which impacts everyone across the district, recently awarding 11 local community and voluntary groups funding to help deliver work in support of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
The Strategy aims to tackle violence, abuse and harm experienced by women and girls which continues to be a serious issue that affects many in our society.
The 11 funded groups will deliver a variety of activities, including workshops promoting education on healthy and respectful relationships, sessions challenging harmful behaviours and attitudes, and youth-led projects providing safe spaces for young women and girls.
Body Count explores the impact of a sexual attack on the family unit and how society’s norms can lead to people wanting to bury the truth, with the Down Arts Centre event organised by the Council’s Downpatrick, Slieve Croob, Mournes and Rowallane District Electoral Areas (DEAs).
Following a number of development workshops with schools from across Northern Ireland, Replay is sharing the powerfully moving story with young audiences, supported by Women’s Aid Belfast & Lisburn, ASSIST NI and Rape Crisis NI, to ensure that there is appropriate support and signposting for audience members.
Belfast comedian Paddy McDonnell is taking on his first serious role in the play and said what drew him to the production was the importance of its subject matter and the conversations it has the potential to spark.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “Powerful theatrical performances like Body Count highlights experiences which are too often silenced and shines a spotlight on behaviour which has no place in society. The play will educate young people, challenge and inspire them to play their part in ending violence against women and girls and talk about subjects like this.
“We are committed to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls and I believe productions like this will encourage discussion and resonate with young people. Women and girls have the right to live free from threats or harm of any kind.”
