Seven: a documentARY PLAY

Seven is based on the real life stories of seven women's rights activists from Nigeria, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Russia, Pakistan, Northern Ireland and Cambodia. The play is presented as a reading, every time performed/read by seven new persons who themselves represent different aspects of society; politicians, activists, athletes, journalists and survivors. Each performance is a collaboration between stakeholders of the issues from civil society, government agencies, municipalities, student organizations etc.  The Seven performance and touring concept is created by Swedish producer Hedda Krausz Sjögren and developed with the National Touring Theatre (Riksteatern) and the Swedish Institute.

In 2006, seven award-winning playwrights, Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Anna Deveare-Smith and Susan Yankowit, joined together to create a documentary theatre piece for Vital Voices Global Partnership whose President, Alyse Nelson, then connected them with seven women from its large international network of amazing women leaders:

• Marina Pisklakova-Parker, founder of the first hotline for victims of domestic violence in Russia. 

• Mu Sochua, former Minister of Women’s Affairs in Cambodia.

• Mukhtar Mai, defender of women’s rights and education in the Southern region of Punjab Province, Pakistan.

• Hafsat Abiola, founder of Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, Nigeria.

• Anabella de Leon, fights for the rights of the poor, particularly women and indigenous peoples, Guatemala.

• Farida Azizi, fights marginalisation of women under Taliban rule, Afghanistan.

• Inez McCormack, internationally renowned and hugely influential human rights and trade union activist, Ireland.

Over many months the playwrights worked individually collecting interviews from each of the extraordinary women and created seven monologues that illuminated the women’s inspiring journey. They then worked collaboratively to weave the acclaimed documentary play SEVEN, under the direction of Hedda Krausz Sjögren. By 2014, SEVEN has been translated into over 20 languages with performances in New York, New Dehli, Nigeria, Argentina, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Morocco, Jordan, Tokyo and Turkey.

Triumphant against physical and mental abuse, oppression, adversity, and threats to their lives, these women’s stories will move your soul and give you a glimpse into the courage and sacrifice women leaders have made to improve the lives of others across the globe.

www.seventheplay.com

This Irish premiere was staged in honour of Inez McCormack. In 2006, she founded the Participation and Practice of Rights Project, helping the disadvantaged access resources and services in Ireland, both North and South. Inez continued to advise and support PPR until her death in 2013.

www.pprproject.co.uk

The readings were followed by conversations with several of the international activists and playwrights, chaired by journalist Susan McKay.