Women’s experiences of domestic abuse and coercive control will be brought to light in the one-woman show All In Your Head, pay what you can live theatrical experience for audiences across the UK, in the socially distant setting of YouTube livestream. Theatre has the power to transport audiences to a different time, place, mindset, or emotion. As one of the earliest forms of public entertainment, the theatre has always held a mirror up to society, reflecting what is illuminated in the lights or hidden in the shadows.
All In Your Head is based on the real accounts of survivors, sharing their stories while showing that “just leaving” isn’t as simple as it sounds.
Naomi Sparrow will portray the many subtle and covert ways that mental, emotional, and physical abuse show up in relationships as she brings the script from internationally-nominated playwright Safaa Benson-Effiom to life. Wellbeing Practitioner Lou Platt, from I May Destroy You, will also support the production.
The performance was originally scheduled for May 2020 as part of Calm Down, Dear, the feminist festival presented by Camden People’s Theatre. Support from Arts Council England is now allowing the work to pivot to a digital performance instead, which will be followed by a panel discussion with survivors of gender-based violence and representatives from support organisations.
2020 will forever be remembered as the year of COVID-19, and the ‘ shadow pandemic ’ too. 2020 marked five years of coercive and controlling behaviour being in the UK Serious Crimes Act, and the prevalence of coercive control and domestic abuse was made starkly public by the pandemic.
Anyone who requires help or support can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline which is open 24/7 365 days per year on 0808 2000 247 or via their website https://www.
