Booking to 20 May 2023
Following its hit run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, theatre makers and activists Davinia Hamilton and Marta Vella bring Blanket Ban – their rallying cry for Maltese reproductive rights – to Southwark Playhouse.
This compelling docu-play interrogates the devastating consequences for the women of Malta, who live in the only EU country to prohibit abortion entirely.
Blanket Ban has been performed as part of New Diorama and Underbelly’s Untapped Award, and combines the artists’ lived experience with interviews, stories and video footage of Maltese women who have suffered the life-changing and life-threatening consequences of the country’s blanket ban on abortion.
Taking a fondly critical look at their home country, and propelled by three years of interviews with activists and anonymous contributors, Davinia and Marta add their voices to international calls to end Malta’s draconian abortion laws.
Shortlisted for the Popcorn Writing Award and the Sit Up Award, Blanket Ban premiered at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2022, just weeks after Roe v Wade was overturned in America.
Blanket Ban is running at Southwark Playhouse Borough in London from 25 April to 20 May 2023.
What's the story of Blanket Ban?
“Sometimes I’m afraid of this play.”
Malta: Catholic kitsch, golden sun, deep blue sea, Eurovision – and a blanket ban on abortion.
Propelled by three years of interviews with anonymous contributors and their own lived experience, actors and activists Marta and Davinia interrogate Malta’s restrictions on the freedom of women.
What does it mean for your country to implement trailblazing social justice laws, but have some of the world’s strictest abortion laws?
Who is in the cast of Blanket Ban?
Davinia Hamilton and Marta Vella
Who are the creative team of Blanket Ban?
Written and performed by Davinia Hamilton and Marta Vella; directed by Sam Edmunds and Vikesh Godhwani.
Reviews of Blanket Ban
★★★★ "Hard-hitting docu play" - TimeOut★★★★ "Incredibly funny performers" - Guardian
★★★★ "An eye-opening and urgent call to action" - Broadway World
Show Information
Matinees: Tuesday, Saturday
Performance information is for guidance only. Check booking calendar for details.
Important Notes
Content warning
Contains strong language, depictions of rape/suicide, flashing lights, graphic depictions of abuse, references to miscarriage and abortion.
Venue Information
Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BDNearest Tube or Train: Elephant & Castle (Bakerloo line, Northern line)
Nearest Buses: 35, 40, 133, 136, 333, 343, C10, N35, N133, N343
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