WomanEwer will be presenting a 30 minutes extract of Jai un Bleu' // I have a Bruise. Under the artistic direction of Laura Kenyon and based on real life stories, this performance celebrates womanhood, survival and strength, advocating for women to have their own voice. Combining movement & sound, this performance is based on real life stories & performed by 3 professional female dancers - survivors of sexual abuse.The virulent nature of the subject matter reverberates in the dancers rigorous physicality and the overall soundscape created by Cecilia Morgan - composer & sound designer - which overlaps voice recordings with live spoken words and the percussive sounds created by the dancers movement and breath. This extract will be performed in an intimate setting, with audience all around.All over the world, women experience assault on a daily basis, yet are all seen as nurturing creatures that care, cater and feed. These gestures play an integral part of the work to contrast the repeated abuse with the daily caring roles whilst challenging the limiting narratives of what it means to be a woman. The costumes reflect these aspects - the sewing of leftover scraps into garments and coverlets test womens resourcefulness to use what comes to hand to provide for themselves & power through, even to the using of rags to clean and absorb menstrual blood.

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… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

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Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
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