Aiming to dispel myths around violence against women, 39 and Counting features ten characters who loved women that were killed by men.
They are the brothers, sisters, best friends, nieces, nephews and cousins of the deceased whose lives have been disrupted and torn apart by violence. Written by Shireen Mula (Why is the Sky Blue? Southwark Playhouse) and directed by Gemma Aked-Priestley (My Dad’s Blind, Abbey Theatre/Irish Tour), it’s performed by the graduates of the Oxford School of Drama One-Year Acting Course.
Ten characters navigating their way through the trauma. Wanting justice to be done, the grief to end and to reach a place of acceptance. To feel in control again. This shattering new play puts the violence we do not speak about absolutely centre stage.
Shireen Mula said, “In April 2021, when I started writing this play, 39 women had been killed in the UK this year by men. Today we’re at 92 women killed. 39 and Counting addresses femicide head-on; drawing attention to a culture that allows and enables it.”
The Oxford School of Drama is a world-leading conservatoire providing professional actor training in the form of a Three Year and One Year Course in addition to a Foundation Course. Graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, their courses are accredited by Trinity College, London who identified them as an ‘Exemplary Provider’ in 2013. They are recognised by industry around the world and boast successful alumni including writers, directors, filmmakers and actors. With their training, the hope is that all students with talent and commitment, no matter what their background, are given important skills to take forward for life and that they can not only be part of the industry but help shape it.
The full cast comprises: Coline Atterbury, Chelsea Bondzanga, Giulio Cavazzini, Charlie Collinson, Charlie Coombes-Roberts, Lorna Dale, Freddie Dennis, Grainne Dromgoole, Imogen Gibb, Billy Gurney, Adam Jessop,Chris Moore, Olivia Nielsen, Jade-Olivia Patrick, Bella Rose, Kate Tulloch, Ned Wakeley, Edward Wheatley.
39 and Counting is at Park Theatre 8th – 11th September 2021.
