Dramatic approach to family violence

BY CAROLYN THOMAS

High school drama teacher and playwright Jay Williams is taking a creative stance against domestic violence.

His latest production The Fale of Troy is on until Saturday as part of the anti family violence campaign White Ribbon Day.

The play is being performed at Henderson High School from 8pm daily.

“It is not a Once Were Warriors type thing but there are elements of violence,” Jay says.

“Often the enemy is within our own house.”

The Glendene resident started writing it while working with a director from London’s Royal Court Theatre after a winning a Pasifika Playwright award last year.

The 32-year-old of Niuean and Cook Island descent says the R16 play also addresses cultural issues.

Jay and Michelle Johansson will co-direct two casts of nine who will perform on alternative nights.

Actors range from professionals to students.

“I want to use as many people as possible,” Jay says.

“There are lots of facets to The Fale of Troy.”

His hopes for the play include making the most of his London contacts.

“Our goal is to take it to the Auckland Fringe Festival next year and then to the UK.”

Actor Terence Slade, 20, found his lead role emotionally tough but enjoyed the challenge.

“These are issues that I have coped with even at my age.”

Violence Free Waitakere spokeswoman Elaine Dyer is grateful for any awareness the play generates.

“Particularly when it is men taking a stand,” she says. “Jay and his networks have brought us further into the community.”

Email blackfriars1844@gmail.com or purchase tickets at the door.

- A parade to mark White Ribbon Day is tomorrow, starting at 11.15am at Henderson’s Mt Lebanon Lane and finishing at Falls Park.

- © Fairfax NZ News