Thursday, 7 May 2020
Green Door
Written and Performed by Ann Brown
Directed by Daniel Brennan.
Watch online, Sat 16 May.
The UK's largest domestic abuse charity, Refuge, has reported a 700% increase in calls to its helpline in a single day after the start of the Covid-19 lockdown. Mark Townsend - The Observer, 12 April 2020
One woman's true tale of relationship abuse, tinged with heart-warming humanity and humour, is coming to you in the comfort of your own homes!
Made It Theatre Company have joined forces with Manchester's Finest, producer Simon Naylor and ShowBuzz MCR to live-stream the biographical and highly successful production of 'Green Door' this May and put theatre back into your lives.
Ann Brown's writing exposes the traits of those who inflict physical and mental torture on their partners, by telling the story of her own troubled and traumatic past – which left her unable to mix with others and so bereft of confidence that she couldn't speak.
Not only has this piece received an incredible response to date but with the continual rise of domestic abuse during lockdown it's all the more important that Ann's story is seen and shared to help raise awareness. The National Domestic Abuse helpline has seen a 25% increase in calls since the lockdown and visits to the UK-wide National Domestic Abuse helpline website are 150% higher than during the last week of February.
The former Spain-based television presenter, Ann Brown, spent years living in fear, following a deeply destructive relationship and was only persuaded to take to the stage in 2010 by a motivational speaker who asked her to confront her greatest fear.
"That fear was speaking in front of a large group of people" reveals Ann, "and the idea that I would one day be touring my own one woman show, detailing some of the most heart-breaking events in my life would have seemed ridiculous. But here I am doing it, and hopefully inspiring others to heal their wounds and stand proud."
In the current climate, Ann has felt even more passionate about sharing her story: "Domestic abuse is hidden and, right now, some people are being asked to lock themselves away with those that might abuse them. My story will prompt conversations and those conversations will save lives. I can't just sit on my arse and wait until the world 'unlocks' again. Women are dying whilst I'm doing that."
Ann premiered a part of her show at a Manchester fundraiser for the MIND charity in September 2018. She has since successfully performed a longer version at the 53Two theatre followed by her full-length version of the play in February at The King's Arms. Their scheduled performance at Square Chapel Arts Centre in April was cancelled due to Covid-19.
It was a freezing cold day in February 2012 when Ann Brown arrived in Hebden Bridge from her home in Spain. Though the weather was decidedly chilly, the Hebden Bridge welcome was warm, and she's remained happily here ever since.
Donations raised are being shared equally between two charities:
- The Emily Davison Centre in Accrington, a charity that works with women experiencing Domestic abuse
- EdShift in Halifax, a Community Interest Company that delivers drama-based learning workshops in order to empower the next generation with the skills and aspiration to achieve healthy relationships.
Green Door Action Against Domestic Abuse Funding Page
When?
Date: Saturday 16th May
Time: 7.30pm
Running time: 60 mins
Age: 14+
How to watch:
Online: Facebook - Manchester's Finest