Niqabi Ninja by Sara Shaarawi is a graphic-novel style revenge story about one woman’s transformation into a Cairene vigilante, as she attempts to right the wrongs of the male violence she sees all around her.
Combining street artwork, audio-story performance, and a walk through your city, you are invited to immerse yourselves in Hana’s world. Searing with dark comedy this is a fearless reflection on the lengths women are willing to go to keep themselves and others safe.
Intimate, visceral and pulsating with a soundtrack to inspire your own resistance against gendered and state violence, this will be an intimate performance to be experienced in pairs or small groups.
Originally written in reaction to the 2012-2014 mob sexual assaults in Tahrir Square, this is a story about rape culture and male violence, a violence that operates everywhere and isn't limited to one part of the world.
This August, we present this experience simultaneously in 5 locations across Scotland - Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. We want this collective experience to offer the space for audiences to think about what it means to walk in public space without fear.
A note from the team about presenting this piece in this moment
We understand that the content and form of this work could be triggering for people.
Whilst we invite people who have to endure male and misogynistic violence to experience what we have made (including but not exclusive to women, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people), we understand if you choose not to. In fact we especially encourage those for whom this is not a daily threat to engage with this performance.
If you would like any further information or a transcript of the performance before you attend please email [email protected]
We offer this piece of work as a contribution to the struggle. We hope that eventually – together – things can be forced to change and all those who encounter male and misogynistic violence can be safe on the street, in their homes or wherever the hell else they want to be.
Information
The starting point for each performance will be Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre. The show will be experienced through headphones and will involve following a designated walking route. The piece will last around 1 hour. Audiences will be offered a series of staggered start-times across the run.
We do not recommend solo bookings as we feel this is a piece to experience with someone you know and trust, who you can reflect with afterwards.
A quiet space will be available in Dundee Rep post-performance.
Ahead of the performance, ticket holders will be sent more detailed information about how they will experience the show.
Access
- A route map will be available to all audience members (online and hard copy) outlining the route, sensory and practical information (toilets, busy roads, noisy areas) as well as links to support for survivors and potential activists.
- There will be a wheelchair-accessible route.
- Audio-based descriptions of the site-based illustrations are built into the audio experience.
- A BSL version will be available*.
- A short access film of the route will be available 48 hours in advance.
- A quiet space will be available in Dundee Rep post-performance.
- We offer free tickets to carers and personal assistants.
*For BSL users a filmed interpretation of the audio is available to be watched on a tablet that the company will supply. We expect the BSL version will take up to 1hr 45 minutes and is available on request. Please contact [email protected] with your preferred performance date and time.
If you have any questions about access, please contact the company at [email protected]
Photography Credit:
Mihaela Bodlovic
John Merriman
COVID-19 Refund Policy
We know how important it is to allow for flexibility at the moment which is why we are offering a ‘Book with Confidence’ pledge. If you are unable to attend this event for any reason related to COVID-19, we will refund the full cost of the ticket to the lead booker. Refunds must be requested at least 24 hours in advance of the performance. We call upon each individual’s sense of civic responsibility to do their part. If you or anyone in your household has had any recent COVID-19 symptoms, however fleeting, please stay home for everyone’s safety.