Moving, funny, tragic and empowering, these are eight brilliantly written monologues, presented in two sets over three dates, which reflect the struggles women have faced over 100 years of fighting for progress and equality. They address the constant efforts of women to carve out their rights both in domestic and public spheres, proclaiming a history of perseverance and resilience shown by women’s rights activists in this country.
Set A is “Pritilata” by Tanika Gupta; “Reclaim the Night” by Charlene James; “Pig Life” by E.V.Crowe; and “Outside” by Theresa Ikoko; “Compliance”. Set B is “Compliance” by Abi Morgan; “Bovril Pam” by Vicky Jones; “Multiples” by Zinnie Harris”; and “Tipping Point” by Rachel De-lahey.
In Set A, you’ll meet an Indian woman determined to fight for freedom – inspired by Pritilata Waddedar, who campaigned for Bengali women to get the vote in 1930s colonial India; a 19 year old who refuses to be forced to stay indoors at night in 1977 Leeds, when Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, was an ever-present danger; a woman inspired by those who fought to see marital rape made illegal in England; and a black woman who reflects on a life of protest and marching for a better world – in her words: “If we can’t get a seat at that table, then the table needs flipping right over”.
The second set introduces an actress recounting a hotel room meeting with a powerful and influential producer; a 1960s secretary seeking to explore her sexuality; a pregnant woman contemplating the world into which she will be bringing her child – into an age when social media makes it so much harder to “stay away from angry men”; and under the cloud of “one is a tragedy, two is suspicious and three is murder”, a woman who stands accused of killing her child and whose testimony is disregarded in favour of an expert witness doctor – who was using inaccurate data.
Though often harrowing, these examples of what women can and have achieved over the past century will inspire younger generations to keep fighting for the rights that are theirs in a world that increasingly seems to seek to strip them away.
And they make for truly powerful theatre.
The Crescent’s production of “Snatches” runs from Thursday 22nd May to Saturday 24th May. Each set has its own weekday evening show, with Saturday offering two back-to-back performances of both sets. Tickets are on sale now at www.crescent-theatre.co.uk or call our Box Office on 0121 643 5858. Prices start at £7.50 for one set, and it’s £11 if you book for both sets at once.
Listing
Venue: 20 Sheepcote Street, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B16 8AE
Dates: Thurs 22nd May (Set A), Fri 23rd May (Set B) and Sat 24th (both)
Times: 22nd & 23rd May: 7.45pm. 24th: 2pm & 6pm (Set A); 4pm, & 8PM (Set B)
Tickets: From £7.50
Offers: Book both sets together for £11.00