Hello, my name is Melissa Dean, I'm the artistic director of Bare Truth Theatre Company and I'm one of the producers of Little Stitches. The show is one of the most exciting collections of new writing to hit the London stage in 2014 – a dramatic collection of work about female genital mutilation.
After a groundbreaking run during August/September 2014 at Theatre 503, Arcola and Gate Theatre (leading to sell out audiences), we are working on our next phase of development with a London showcase on April 13th and 14th 2015 @ Omnibus, Clapham Common. Our aim with April's showcase is to develop the work for a 2016 UK tour and to give people that missed it last time the chance to see it again!
Originally produced by Bare Truth Theatre Company, we are now working with Time Won't Wait as emerging artists, who will offer us the support we need to develop and profile the show.
An estimated 170,000 women are living with the consequences of Female Genital Mutilation in the UK. Despite being criminalized nearly 30 years ago, there have been minimal prosecutions.
“The great strength of Little Stitches is that, whilst distressing, it avoids sensationalism and is informative. It’s performed by a role – swapping, accent switching, multicultural cast of five with quiet concentration and
some flashes of humour” The Times ★★★★
“A profoundly upsetting series of plays, but ones that give enhanced clarity as they explore the barbarous ritual from various angles”
The Independent ★★★★
It's so vital that we stop turning a blind eye to this procedure that is affecting not only UK based girls but millions of women worldwide.
Your Contribution
We have just received Arts Council England funding but need a tad more to get us there fully. Any funds raised above our target will go towards the UK tour of the show in 2016.
The Show
Little Stitches will open at Omnibus Clapham Common on April 13th and 14th 2015
Get your tickets here -
http://omnibus-clapham.org/event/little-stitches/2015-04-13/
What is FGM?
There are 4 types of FGM.
Type 1 is the partial or total removal of the clitoris.
Type 2 is partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia minora (the 'lips' surrounding the vagina)
Type 3 is the cutting and sewing of the outer labia with or without removal of the clitoris or inner labia.
Type 4 are all othr procedures to the female genitalia for non medical purposes ie piercing, stretching, pricking, scraping.
Why is it done?
The main reason people perform FGM is a belief that it can control female sexuality, limit desire, and keep a female pure/"clean" in preparation for marriage.
Other Ways You Can Help
We completely understand if you're not able to contribute to the project. Please do come and watch the shows if you can and spread the word. It's important we raise as much awareness as possible and theatre can be a tactful way of bringing to light those much needed conversations.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and do follow us on twitter or Facebook to keep updated with what we're doing.
With Warm Thanks,
Melissa Dean
@timewontwait @BAREtruthT
To watch our campaign video from last year please click on this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihSLkYlvMmM
