Scottish Parliament to host theatre piece about sexual language for MSPs
Orla O'Loughlin - credit Traverse Theatre/Eoin Carey
MSPs are being invited to view a theatre production about sexually aggressive language in the Scottish parliament next week.
The Traverse Theatre’s ‘Locker Room Talk’, which ran during the Edinburgh Fringe, uses verbatim quotes from real men talking about women but is performed by an all-female cast.
As in previous performances, a discussion of the themes of the play will take place directly after the performance on Thursday night.
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‘Locker Room Talk’ was conceived by writer Gary McNair and Traverse director Orla O’Loughlin as a response to aggressive comments made by Donald Trump during his election campaign, but has become more relevant in the wake of allegations of sexually predatory behaviour by Holywood producer Harvey Weinstein and subsequent allegations of inappropriate behaviour in both Westminster and Holyrood.
O’Loughlin told Holyrood she saw the invite to perform in the Scottish parliament as a “powerful opportunity to effect real change” by stimulating conversation on misogyny.
“The production is undoubtedly catching a mood and speaking very powerfully to a very particular moment. What is abundantly clear is that this is a pervasive issue which affects every industry at every level,” she said.
“Our hope is that the performance at the Scottish Parliament will encourage, stimulate and heighten conversation around how this issue is addressed both within and outside our work places, leading to action which makes all spaces safer for women and others who may have experienced sexual harassment or abuse.
“We strongly believe that the first step towards positive change is visibility and discussion. At this tipping point moment, as many brave individuals come forward to share their testimonies of violence and harassment, it’s clear that society must take action if we are to see change.”
SNP MSP Rona Mackay, Deputy Convenor of the Justice Committee, will host the event in parliament.
“Through various actions the Scottish Government are taking, they are sending out a strong message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in Scotland.
“But what is clear, from the past few weeks in particular, is that we must challenge the attitudes that lead to harassment, abuse, violence and bullying – and that is what Locker Room Talk does.”
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