New play to tackle honour based violence
A play inspired by local survivors of honour based violence that exposes the abuse that is suffered by young people across the world is premiering at the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton from May 27 – 30 before going on tour around the UK.
The production explores the difficult themes of honour based violence and is a major step towards engaging and ‘showing’ a problem that is often kept hidden from society.
Lead for honour based crimes, DCI Mark Ashthorpe said: “Peeler brings to life the reality for thousands of victims and those at risk of so-called honour crimes.
“Honour Based Violence is an abuse of human rights and an issue that affects many women, men and children in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. They are being harmed by their families and their communities who believe they have brought shame upon them. Shame can be brought upon a family by even apparently trivial transgressions, such as inappropriate dress or makeup or resisting a forced marriage.
“Hampshire Constabulary and respective authorities are committed to serving victims and dealing with offenders. We will do everything we can to protect and support victims to prevent abuse.”
There is no exact official statistic of how many people are victims of Honour based violence, but last year the force dealt with more than 60 cases. This issue is thought to be grossly under reported.
The play will be filmed by media students at Solent University and form the basis of an interactive training programme for frontline staff.
Peeler, written by Southampton writer Maggie Nevill and was commissioned by Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire County Council and Primary Care Trust.
Tickets are priced from £10. To book call Nuffield Theatre Box Office on 02380 671771 or visit www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk.
Tour dates :
27 to 30 May Nuffield Theatre, Southampton
3 June Tacchi Morris, Taunton, Somerset
7 June Brook Theatre, Chatham, Kent
8 June Pavillion Theatre, Rhyl, North Wales
10 June Woodville Halls Theatre, Gravesham, Kent
11 June Darlington Arts Centre, Darlington
12 June Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham
16 June Kind Richard School, Portsmouth
17 June Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne Dorset
18 June Winchester Discovery Centre, Winchester
20 June The Underground, Eastbourne
23 June Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead
24 June Jersey Arts Centre, St Helier
25 June Gosport Discovery Centre, Gosport
