Party Games, Fun, Drinks And Everyday Tales Of Domestic Abuse Go On Tour

Meet Beverly. You're invited to her party. Like most parties there'll be fun and games, drinks, shared conversations and energetic dancing. But at Beverly's party there will also be genuine heartbreaking moments as Beverly bravely gives a raw and honest account of surviving an abusive relationship.

Smack That (a conversation) is the new show from endlessly inventive theatremaker and choreographer Rhiannon Faith. As reported instances of domestic violence in much of the UK are said to have nearly doubled in recent years, it shines a light on the complex subject of domestic abuse, featuring an all female cast of seven - a close-knit group made up of non-performers and experienced theatre and dance artists. They all have their own personal experience of abuse and as each one fearlessly becomes Beverly they convey the turbulent, real life experiences of domestic abuse she, and they, have endured and survived. The party setting creates a safe space for them to reveal the challenges they have faced and to celebrate their survival of turbulent times with the audience.

Smack That (a conversation) has a short UK tour beginning in Halifax on 31 May including a five-day run at London's Barbican Centre from 12 - 16 June.

Stories of abuse intertwine with party games and energetic dance routines to create a powerful, moving and unashamedly entertaining piece of theatre. The fun, upbeat party setting allows these voices to be heard without preaching, without prejudice and where marshmallows and party poppers readily mix with refuge contact information.

Rhiannon said 'The idea for the show has been with me for years from seeing the experiences and hearing the stories from friends and family and others who felt OK talking privately but lacked the confidence to talk publicly about what they had been (or still were) going through'.

Crucially, Smack That (a conversation) is based on authentic stories told through the voices of victims of domestic violence and abuse. It seeks to raise awareness of domestic abuse and move the conversations from private to public.

The show is designed to support women and encourage them to talk openly about their experiences. It is underpinned by Rhiannon's work with a support group at Safer Places, the independent charity that provides services to adults and children affected by domestic and sexual abuse.

'The creative process involved a great deal of vulnerability and trust' added Rhiannon 'I knew that before I could create this show I had to be totally sure that we would be able provide proper care and support for my Bev's'.

In the UK police receive a complaint about domestic violence every 60 seconds.

One in four women experience domestic abuse in their lives.

On average a woman is assaulted 35 times before she receives help.

750,000 UK children witness domestic abuse or violence each year.

The annual cost of domestic violence to the UK is £15.7 billion.

In England and Wales one woman is killed by their partner or ex-partner every three days.

As part of the legacy of Smack That, all tour venues will be encouraged to become J9 centres. ?The national J9 initiative aims to provide? safe and secure opportunities for victims to disclose domestic abuse and access a full support system. J9 venues display pink J9 stickers in their windows, signalling to the public that it is safe to talk. Staff at each J9 contact point are provided with training to raise awareness and increase understanding of domestic abuse. They are trained to signpost, advise and spot the signs of domestic abuse. Each venue has a safe place where victims can access information and use a phone to call for further help. The Barbican has already agreed to become a J9 venue.

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