Prima Facie
Best New Play – Olivier Award 2023
Best New Play – WhatsOnStage Award 2023
»This play is a statement. It cleverly addresses the dilemma of abused women. After this evening, it is clear why the number of unreported sexual offenses is so high, why so many assaults are never reported. Because what follows is unbearable for many victims. It is a plea for more humanity in the system, for change.«
Die Deutsche Bühne
»That the Deutsches Theater Berlin presents it not in the intimate space of the small box, but on the large stage of the Kammerspiele, is a statement.«
Nachtkritik
When is sex consensual, when is it rape?
Tessa is a star in the world of jurists, judges, prosecutors. Again and again, she manages to get men accused of sexual assault acquitted. She finds the gaps in the indictments and entangles the accusing women in contradictions during cross-examinations until everything collapses.
She is celebrated, everything is going great. Until she herself becomes a victim. After a lively party with plenty of vodka and prosecco, she sleeps with her colleague Julian. It is nice, she likes him. For now, everything is casual and light. They meet again, have sex once more. But later that night, he forces himself on her, ignoring her attempts to resist, overpowering her.
Was that rape? Or just an accident in an intoxicated state?
Tessa soon has to painfully realize that the justice system is not designed to sanction this type of sexual violence.
Suzie Miller's play is currently the most produced theater text in the German-speaking world. After its premiere in Australia, the London production at the National Theatre was seen by over 300,000 viewers online. This not only marked the successful journey of this disturbing play but also sparked a wide debate about where the line is drawn between consensual sex and rape.
STUDIO