Domestic abuse – it's not okay to laugh?

Media Release: 17 March, 2009
Domestic abuse – it's not okay to laugh?

"Every time I help you out, it turns into a horror show."

Where do you draw the line at trying to help someone when they always get into the same trouble? What if that trouble is a violent and abusive relationship? And is it really okay to laugh about it?

The raw and taboo topic of domestic abuse is at the heart of a new comedy theatre show that promises to put the hoot into the boot.

The New Zealand debut of Dolores hits BATS Theatre from March 31 to April 9 featuring an all-women production, directed by Sally Richards and starring Barbara Woods and Renee Sheridan.

The comedy drama tells the story of two sisters drawn together because of domestic abuse, influencing their lives far more than can admit to their friends and themselves. Featuring hilarious rapid-fire dialogue (written by Edward Allen Baker), the show seeks to lift the lid on abusive relationships in a way audiences can confront and think about.

For producer Barbara Woods, who plays the title character of Dolores, the play has evoked memories from childhood when she was confronted with how to seek help for extended family members who suffered abusive home relationships.

"Not all of us have had to endure abusive or violent relationships but many of us have been affected by it," she says. "And how we cope with helping them cope is an important way of finding a solution or escape to the problems."

She said comedy can make the audience look at parts of their lives that are uncomfortable in a way that makes them easier to deal with.

"In its unique way, comedy can challenge us to confront extreme or taboo social issues. This is not a production that seeks to belittle or downplay this very real problem in New Zealand, but by thinking about it we can challenge ourselves to do something about it."

Vist the website for more information and watch the video trailer at http://www.criminalproductions.co.nz/dolores/

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Dolores
By Edward Allen Baker
BATS Theatre, Kent Tce, Wellington
7pm, March 31 – April 9 2009. No show Sunday or Monday
Tickets $14 full, $12 conc. Ph 04 802 4175 or email book@bats.co.nz

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