Suzie Miller's tumultuous courtroom drama became a sensational success in London in 2022 and was awarded the "Laurence Olivier Award" for Best New Play in 2023! It is the feminist play of the moment related to the MeToo debate and about sexual violence against women.
The legal term "Prima Facie" means "presumptive evidence," "until revoked," "at first glance." At the center of the play is Tessa Ensler, a successful criminal defense attorney specializing in defending men accused of sexual coercion or violence. However, during cross-examination, it is usually the women who are often re-traumatized by the criminal proceedings. Another problem with prosecution is that the offenses frequently occur without witnesses. Most rapes actually happen in private, meaning within marriage or an existing relationship. As a result, Tessa, as a defense attorney, does not have to prove that there was consent on the part of the woman! Rather, the defense only has to claim that the man they are defending did not know that consent was absent!
But then something happens that Tessa never thought possible: She herself becomes a victim of rape. Suddenly, she is faced with the question of how her life should continue. She becomes a witness for the prosecution and from then on experiences the proceedings in the courtroom from the other side.
Author Suzie Miller has worked as a lawyer herself and knows the problems of prosecuting sexual violence very well. Her critically acclaimed drama is a feminist manifesto in which a woman raises her voice against a legal system that protects the perpetrators.
On January 29, 2024, Suzie Miller's drama "Prima Facie" will also be released as a novel on the German book market. Suzie Miller can be experienced live at Lit.Cologne 2024 among other events.
See this highly topical play on selected dates in our special venue, the Theaterhaus Stuttgart!
”A Broadway hit” (nachtkritik.de)
“The play of the season” (Die Deutsche Bühne)
“A play that makes waves” (Der Tagesspiegel)
”This play is a statement. It clearly outlines the dilemma of abused women. It makes clear why the number of unreported cases of sexual offenses is so high, why many assaults are never reported. Because what comes next is unbearable for many victims. “Prima Facie” is a plea for a change in the system.” (Die Deutsche Bühne)
Premiere February 8, 2024
Trigger warning: This play deals with sexual violence, rape, and trauma among other issues. Some audience members may find this disturbing. Attendance is at one's own risk.
Helpline "Violence against Women": 116 016 /
http://www.hilfetelefon.deEvent is canceled and will be refunded