Mercury Theatre Wales present 35 times…

Heather Rowan-RobinsonCommunity, Culture, Uncategorized

35

Times

MERCURY THEATRE WALES PRESENT HARD HITTING PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTING SUBJECT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE.

 3rd October, 7.30pm, The Paget Rooms, Penarth
For ticket information please visit our What’s On Guide.
35 Times is supported by RCT Theatres and is funded by the Arts Council of Wales. The production is recommended for ages 15+. More details about Mercury Theatre Wales are available at www.mercurytheatrewales.co.uk.

Cardiff based theatre company Mercury Theatre Wales have created an immersive theatre experience designed to raise education and highlight the issues around domestic violence and abuse. Statistically 1 in 3 women experience domestic violence or abuse at some point during their lives and 35 Times puts a spotlight on this often hidden crime and those who suffer as a result. The production was first performed last year and the reaction from audiences was so strong that funding has been given to the company to repeat the work with the aim of encouraging a wider public across South Wales to see the production including young people from high schools and colleges as well as members of the police and policy makers. The production was nominated for a Wales Theatre Award in 2017. The piece will tour venues in Cardiff, Treorchy, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Blackwood Chepstow and Swansea during September and October this year. 35 Times is based on real life stories following months of research by the theatre company attending sessions where survivors of abuse have relayed their stories as well as consultation with women’s support charities including Women’s Aid. The production itself sees an audience of up to 70 people sitting with the performers as part of a coffee morning where the actors tell stories and experiences through acting, song and movement. The ‘up close’ experience of the audience helps immerse them and engage fully in this thought provoking work. The audience is encouraged to stay at the end and discuss what they have seen over a coffee and talk through the issues it has emphasised. The cast of 35 Times includes Francesca Goodridge, Polly Kilpatrick, Bethan Morgan, Olwen Rees, Clêr Stephens and Elena Thomas and the piece is produced by Glesni Price Jones.

Bethan Morgan says “For high school and college students there are strong messages to be heard that will educate them on these difficult issues at a young age, looking at what is acceptable behaviour and how to empower others so that they do not suffer in silence. Police also can be further informed on the depth of circumstances surrounding domestic violence and their own crucial role in supporting victims.”

Mercury Theatre Wales is a Cardiff-based theatre company that aims to produce high quality and innovative work. The company is committed to developing Welsh
talent and bring to the Welsh stage new pieces of theatre that have been created to be relevant to contemporary the specific communities with whom they engage.