“Healing from intimate harm requires connection.

  Uncomfortable, but necessary connection.” 

-Dr. Alissa R. Ackerman, PhD Restorative Justice for Sex Offenders 

“Grief and rage – you need to contain that, to put a frame around it,

 where it can play itself out without you or your kin having to die.” 

-Anne Carson, Grief Lessons

content transparency statement: 

This play contains descriptions of sexual violence, specifically rape. The play is staged intimately, in the round. No physical violence occurs on stage. 

In working on this version of the play, I’ve been citing Greek tragedy. I’ve been referencing Euripedes, Aristotle, Anne Carson. I’ve been saying the word “catharsis”. There’s something aspirational there, in the aim of theatre being a sort of ritual cleansing, experienced socially, inspiring change. I like the sound of that. But pity? Fear?

At least 1 in every 6 women has been raped. Less than 3% of rapists will be convicted, even fewer go to prison. The Greek’s loved punishment. Oedipus and his eyes, so many fires, so many exiles…What do we do with the people who hurt us? What do we do with our shame?

“Healing from intimate harm requires connection.” Fear is paralyzing. Pity, alienating. Theatre is communal. It is shared space, shared time, shared breath. This play does not propose an answer or solution. I don’t think any play can.In working on this play, we are building a room and building rituals. We are questioning notions of justice. We are seeking a new catharsis. One of connection. One of hope. 

This play is heavy. It is hard. But, it is my deepest desire that it is also hopeful. 

If you have any questions about the content of the play or would like resources before or after attendance, please email sophiefdushko@gmail.com