When you go into the Contact Theatre to see “Vignettes,” you’ll know it’s not going to be like any other night at the theatre. The compilation of five plays, each representing a phase in the history of the Greater Manchester Rape Crisis (GMRC), takes you on an emotional journey that is as raw as it is revealing. One thing you’ll notice is the air is charged with the emotions of everyone in the room and I’m certain you will shed tears over the survivors’ stories; I know I did.
The evening begins with “1978-2023,” written by Alex Keelan and directed by Kate Colgrave Pope. This beginning story, starring Joyce Branagh and Ellie Campbell, is a tribute to GMRC. It provides a historical perspective that catches the spirit of public change, concerns, and news over the years that flashes up on a screen during the stories. This historical basis serves as a structure for the following story, “Bhaijaan.”
“Bhaijaan,” written by Zoe Iqbal and directed by Gitika Buttoo, stars Jessica Kaur and Alex Hewitt. The writing is nothing short of brilliant. It highlights the inequalities of gender roles in Asian descendent families, namely how Jessica Kaur’s character is not permitted to become a nurse owing to cultural clothing expectations. The words “rather than bring shame” hit home for me, summarising societal attitudes. This emotional weight acts as a link to the following story, “Burdens.”
“Burdens” is written by Maz Hedgehog and directed by Ifeoma Uzo, and it stars Krissi Bohn and Kelsey Gordon-Harrison. The play examines a complicated mother-daughter relationship in the context of contemporary views towards people who are LGBT+. Krissi Bohn and Kelise Gordon-Harrison’s honest and revealing performances provide depth of emotional complexity, bringing us to “Lifelines.”
Julie Hesmondhalgh stars in “Lifelines,” written by Debbie Oates and directed by Bryony Shanahan. Her strong portrayal of Yvonne holds the audience’s attention as she struggles with her own anxiety while supporting others. The piece mixes genuine sincerity with fascinating story telling that has humour, joy and love making it a highlight. which brings us to “A Day in the Life of.”
“A Day in the Life of,” written by Lekhani Chirwa and directed by Amy Gavin, stars Alicia Forde and Leah Baskaran. The story delves into the personal lives of GMRC staff members, highlighting both the stresses and the support mechanisms in place. Laying the groundwork for the final story, “Broken.”
Lois Mackie brought “Broken,” written by Lindsay Williams and directed by Ellie Rose, to life. The play is declaration of the court system’s injustices, notably how it limits the guidance that Independent Sexual Violence Advocates may provide to survivors. The play’s intensity is increased by the nightmarish atmosphere, which is perfect metaphor for person journey after rape.
The story finishes with an 80-year-old woman making a sombre phone call to the GMRC hotline, reminding us that, while we’ve come a long way, there is still much more to be accomplished.
To learn more about the work GMRC does, please visit their website – https://www.manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
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Written by James
For Canal St Media