Bent Not Broken – At Bats Mid March

Adapted by Merrin Cavel from the Best Selling Autobiography
“Bent Not Broken” by Lauren Roche
Directed by Ban Abdul

BATS Theatre
13-16 March, 6.30pm
Bookings: 04 802 4175 HYPERLINK "mailto:book@bats.co.nz"book@bats.co.nz $16/12/10

This is a truly inspiring story about turning your life around.

Bent Not Broken is Lauren Roche's extraordinary journey from working as a prostitute at the San Francesco Bath House in Wellington to becoming a doctor.

Roche demonstrates tremendous resilience, courage, intelligence and humour in chronicling her personal trauma and ultimate triumph. This brave production by Merrin Cavel of Roche’s very personal story will anger and shock you, make you laugh and make you cry.

After 20 years of destructive experiences, including a turbulent childhood and adolescence, and her years as a prostitute and stripper, imprisonment as an illegal alien, sex, drugs and teeny-pop, Lauren dreamed of becoming a qualified doctor.

After the birth of her second child and the end of another abusive relationship Lauren decided to follow her dream. She went back to high school then university, eventually graduating Otago University as a medical doctor.

Cavel can identify with Laurens struggle and was incredibly inspired by her story. The resulting play is a powerful blend of Laurens amazing tale and Merrin’s own experience.

Merrin is currently completing her Bachelor of Performing Arts in Christchurch, where her stand out roles have been 'Violet' in Eugenia, 'Edward/Victoria' in Cloud 9, and 'Ronette' in Little Shop of Horrors. Recently she co-wrote and performed a solo show called 'Punching Judy' and was performance support in a mixed abilities production of 'Dante'.

‘Bring inspiration, hope and self-belief to those who need it’ – Lauren Roche

‘Lauren wasn’t going to let the life she had write her life’ – Ban Abdul (director)

http://www.laurenroche.com/"www.laurenroche.com
http://www.bats.co.nz/"www.bats.co.nz

Roche’s book - an international bestseller, is a story of hope for people who need a second chance. Bent Not Broken is available in German translation under the title ‘Schattenlicht’. It is also about to be released in China and a Spanish translation is currently underway.

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