No. 9 is a tongue-in-cheek yet deadly-serious look at the complexities and contradictions of  dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault. Following a survivor’s story in the days, months  and years post-assault, this debut play by Anna Robinson (Becoming a Karen, 5 Signs You’re  Becoming a P.R*C.K, BBC Laugh Lessons; Feast, BBC Short in collaboration with New Writing  North; Stage Design: When This is Over, Mortal Fools) aims to raise awareness of the impact of  trauma, as well as the lack of a societal ‘toolbox’ for responding to survivors of sexual assault.  

While the prevention of sexual assault is widely discussed, No. 9 highlights the lack of focus on  long-term support for survivors. No. 9 turns a mirror on a society that is ill-equipped to respond  in the aftermath of trauma and, in particular, the language that is used to support survivors. Based on a true story, and presented in co-production with Alphabetti Theatre, No. 9 is inspired  by the reactions a survivor received when they discussed their assault. 

The play, directed by Paula Penman (Donna Disco, Live Theatre; Brown Bird, Bush Theatre), will  examine the language we reach for in a time of crisis, aiming to put an end to trite promises of  ‘silver linings’. No. 9 encourages its audience to be an active and positive force in support and  

recovery, no matter how hard it is to find the right words. The production laughs at absurdities  and dances in the face of shame and fear; singing catchy tunes and introducing wacky characters  in fabulous outfits, all in the search for a better thing to say to a survivor. 

Robinson comments, I really feel like the show we’ve created addresses the issues with a fearless  delicacy and a sharp wit. These are really important times in terms of women’s safety and the  way the world interrogates assault and healing. It’s a scary but humbling experience having this platform and time to explore it. It’s such a relief to finally be able to get audiences to see and  hear the story that I’ve been itching to tell. 

Programming surrounding No. 9 includes after-show discussions led by a psychotherapist  exploring the subjects of the play and allowing audiences to engage in discussion sparked by its  themes. Alphabetti Theatre will also be running workshops with local community groups  focussing on processing emotion through writing. 

No. 9 

Tuesday 22nd February – Saturday 12th March , 7:30pm Saturday matinees, 1pm 

Relaxed Performances: Saturday 29th January, 1pm 

Saturday 5th February, 1pm  

Saturday 12th February, 1pm 

Captioned Performance: Wednesday 2nd February, 7:30pm Audio Described Performance: Wednesday 9th February, 7:30pm 

Box Office Booking essential. Tickets are Pay What You Feel and are available from  https://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

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