★★★★
([The Independent](http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/little-stitches-theatre-503-review-piercingly-eloquent-minidramas-about-fgm-9691872.html), [Evening Standard](http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/little-stitches-theatre-503–theatre-review-9690887.html), The Times, The Upcoming)
BAREtruth Theatre Company announces the world première of Little Stitches, an evening of four plays each tackling the subject of female genital mutilation (FGM).
More than 140 million women and girls worldwide have suffered FGM and, although the huge majority of victims live in Africa and certain Middle Eastern and Asian countries, the number of cases in the UK is on the rise. An estimated 137,000 women in Britain are living with the consequences of FGM and more than 20,000 girls under the age of 15 thought to be at risk each year. However, despite FGM being criminalised in the UK nearly 30 years ago, there has only been two prosecutions.
BAREtruth brings together four writers, Bahar Brunton, Karis E Halsall, Isley Lynn and Raul Quiros Molina to explore the human stories behind the statistics. The production begins with a week run at Theatre 503 from 21-27 August, before travelling to the Arcola Tent and the Gate Theatre. In addition, the company will engage with communities affected by FGM by performing readings of the plays for free in local libraries around London.
Post-show discussion on Friday 29th August (see below).
[Director Alex Crampton talks about Little Stitches](http://www.eastendreview.co.uk/2014/08/08/little-stitches-alex-crampton/)
[Playwrights explore trauma and psychological damage of FGM](http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/aug/21/play-fgm-trauma-damage-little-stitches-baretruth-theatre)
[Guest Blog: ‘Most people turn away at the mention of FGM’](http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/08-2014/little-stitches-fgm_35481.html)
[FGM can be eradicated through theatre performances](http://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/entertainment/theatre/baretruth_theatre_company_fgm_can_be_eradicated_through_theatre_performances_in_hackney_battersea_and_notting_hill_1_3723423)
by Raul Quiros Molina
Real life testimonies reveal the views of those working on the frontline of FGM – an activist with over 20 years experience, a charity worker who has campaigned throughout Africa, and a midwife who gives crucial support to UK-based survivors, engaging all in the debate about what can and can’t be done to prevent FGM worldwide. However, it is the voice of Felicity – a FGM survivor living in London – that can explain what FGM is really like, beyond the facts, figures, and media sound bites.
SLEIGHT OF HAND
by Isley Lynn
How well do you know your neighbors? If something unspeakable was happening next door, would you know about it? And what would you do if you found out?
Dancing Feet
by Bahar Brunton
Two women celebrate a child’s leap into womanhood – but their efforts aren´t taking the desired effect. Left with each other´s company and uneasy reflections, they try to get the party started and weigh the cost of their actions …
Dancing Feet is a response to the testimonies of FGM survivors and the ´wedding day without pictures´, focusing on the women who propagate the practice of FGM.
Mutant
By Karis E Halsall
Like any other 14 year old, Safa has big plans for her summer holidays. But her world is transformed when she finds herself powerless amidst those closest to her. She has to reconcile herself with the actions of others whilst a doctor confronts the consequences of his own. They seek choice but suffer the silencing force of cultural hegemony … from both sides.
Saturday matinee at 2.45pm
Post-show discussion on Friday 29th August (30-40 mins with Q&A)
Leyla Hussein is a Psychotherapist and a multi-award winning campaigner, she is also a Community facilitator at Manor Gardens, where she now runs Dahlia Project which she has set up in 2013, it’s the only counseling service for FGM survivors in the UK an EU. Her documentary “The Cruel Cut” with Channel 4 on FGM in the UK was nominated for a Bafta in 2014.
Dexter Dias QC is an award-winning barrister who as Queen’s Counsel has been instructed in some of the biggest human rights cases of recent years. He is also a Researcher at Harvard and Cambridge Universities and has focused in particular on Violence Against Women and FGM. He chaired and co-wrote the Bar Human Rights Committee report to the Parliamentary Inquiry into FGM that was deeply influential in changing the law to protect young women and girls more effectively from mutilation.
Recommended for ages 13+
Running time is approximately 90 minutes with no interval.
Please note that latecomers may not be admitted
Please note that this show is NOT part of the Arcola Passport
