Aegis Productions in association with Park Theatre will present Schism a play from disabled playwright Athena Stevens.
Questioning the power dynamics between male and female, and disabled and non-disabled, at its heart Schism is a play about two people finding each other, which questions the point where dreams and relationships become unrealistic or out of date. The official press night will be on Thursday 17th May at 7pm.
Failed architect Harrison had plans end his life. The last thing he needed was Katherine, a young student with cerebral palsy, breaking into his house begging for his help…
As their chaotic first encounter turns into the beginning of a twenty-year relationship, the unlikely couple grow to realise that they are capable of either building something great together – or absolutely destroying each other.
Schism, which was first performed at the Finborough Theatre, is written and co-performed by playwright Athena Stevens, who, like her character, has cerebral palsy.
Athena comments: “Schism took me years to write because I needed to understand the unhealthy power dynamics I was being asked to accept as a woman. People would set me up on a pedestal and call me ‘inspirational’ until I would ask to be their equal. To have a woman with a disability call you out for discrimination, or promoting an unhealthy power dynamic, or to say ‘your actions are hurting me’ throws a lot of people into shock. They get defensive and start gas-lighting because it’s easier to brush things under the rug than to take responsibility for their actions. So the question that this play presents is ‘how long do I hold onto the hope people will change and when do I need to let go and live my life without those people?”
Jonathan McGuinness will be playing the role of Harrison. Schism will be direcetd by Lily McLeish.
Schism will be presented from 16 May – 9 June 2018 at the Park Theatre.
