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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.

“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?

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Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details

Stars and Creatives

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.

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 6BD

Nearest Tube or Train: Elephant & Castle (Bakerloo line, Northern line)

Nearest Buses: 35, 40, 133, 136, 333, 343, C10, N35, N133, N343

Directions

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Critics' reviews of Blanket Ban

★★★★ "Hard-hitting docu play" - TimeOut

★★★★ "Incredibly funny performers" - Guardian

★★★★ "An eye-opening and urgent call to action" - Broadway World

Also see: Blanket Ban Reviews Round-up

Frequently Asked Questions

Blanket Ban is playing at the Southwark Playhouse Borough in London
The running time of Blanket Ban is 75 minutes
The age recommendations for Blanket Ban are: 14+
Yes, Blanket Ban has matinee performances on the following days: Tuesday, Saturday
No, sorry, Blanket Ban has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

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