Hurried Steps March 14, 2011

HURRIED STEPS is a powerful hour-long play, based on testimonies from real women. It recounts eight stories inspired by real facts reported by Amnesty International and is written by renowned Italian playwright, poet, novelist and journalist Dacia Maraini, who has spent her career investigating women's issues, she has written a UK story exclusively for this production. The stark no-frills performance is followed by an hour-long discussion between the audience and a panel of local fieldworkers and experts. There are 500 free published copies of the text available to schools, the play is suitable for sixth formers and slightly younger pupils. New Shoes Theatre is part of a loose artistic collection of theatre companies that are performing Hurried Steps world-wide to raise awareness and open a global debate about violence against women and girls.
“With hurried steps these women flee from pain and discrimination. Inspired by real facts reported by Amnesty International, the text is a testimony, an accusation, a gesture of solidarity and acknowledgment of all those women who are still prisoners of a forced marriage, of a violent family, of a hustler, of tradition or of age-old discriminations which are so difficult to overcome.” Dacia Maraini. Director Nicolette Kay’s previous credits include the production of ‘Mary Stuart’ (also by Dacia Maraini), which received Time Out Critics’ Choice Award. Places are limited and tickets are FREE, funded by the Kent Community Foundation and Grassroots grants provided by the office of the Civil Society. There will be a collection for the local women’s refuge

Official Website: http://www.kent.ac.uk/gulbenkian/theatre/shows/2011/march/2011-03-14-hurried-steps.html