It’s hard to believe that it was just 2 months ago that we met for the first time with the group of women who would become the actors at the heart of our legislative theatre project on domestic abuse and homelessness.
This project, which we ran in partnership with Arts and Homelessness International and North Down & Ards Women’s Aid, brought together 11 women who have first-hand experience of domestic abuse and homelessness. Over the course of 4 workshops, they co-created a play based on their collective first-hand experiences which they then performed to a theatre packed full of key stakeholders and policy makers.
The catalyst of creativity
The use of theatre and creativity was such a powerful tool in giving the women space to reflect on and share their experiences, as well as to advocate for the changes they want to see. It was humbling to see how, in the space of just 4 workshops the women grew together as a group; their courage, talent and creativity pouring out. On the performance day in the MAC, the women blew everyone away with an incredible performance which had the entire audience on their feet for a standing ovation.
Policy informed by experts by experience
Audience members who attended and participated in the event included experts by experience, government officials, representatives from statutory bodies, elected representatives and charities. The actors and audience members collaborated with a panel of policymakers to co-create 3 key policy proposals addressing the key issues raised in the play:
Proposal 1: Introduction and Development of Domestic Abuse Officers in each NIHE office
Proposal 2: Legal and Policing Reforms - Accessibility and Affordability of Legal Protections (including extended court fee waivers, introducing a pro-arrest policy for perpetrators and implementing electronic monitoring for perpetrators)
Proposal 3: Integrated Support Services that deliver the right help at the right time. Ensuring women only have to tell their story once and the services then wrap around them.
The event concluded with each of the members of the policymaker panel committing to short or long-term actions to work towards the proposals, which they will report back on within 8 weeks of the event.
Personal impact
Not only did the project result in tangible policy proposals and commitment to action from the key decision-makers on our policy panel, but it also had a profound impact on the women involved. Speaking about their experience of the project they told us:
“It was a very powerful journey to be given a stage to give my voice to support the women that came before and after.”
“It just entirely empowered me and changed/made a shift in my trauma. I also want to pursue a career in performance theatre and making change in society. I can't look back!”
“I can’t even describe it, the fact I was in it and did it made me feel so proud of myself.”
“It's allowed me to take every negative experience I've been through and turn it into something positive.”
“It was the proudest thing I have ever done. To know the impact on the women who come after us, hopefully their paths will be easier because of the changes that will be made.”