J’ai Un Bleu // I Have a Bruise
a dance theatre piece exploring sexual violence against women
I Have a Bruise is WomanEwer‘s live performance based on real life stories, performed by five professional female dancers who are all survivors of sexual abuse. The work addresses sensitive issues that can be challenging, and at the same time it celebrates womanhood, survival and strength, advocating for women to have their own voice.
Choreographed & directed by Laura Kenyon in collaboration with Sara Maurizi, Vivian Wai Shan Luk, Lya Abdou Issa & Virginia Poli. Dramaturg: Lou Cope. Composer: Cecilia Morgan. Videographer: Alice Underwood
“They are loud, they are proud, and they will not be silenced, promoting love for yourself, for each other, and helping each other to heal, whilst welcoming women of all diasporas and experiences to heal with them.”
Review by Khalia Willet
The virulent nature of the subject matter reverberates in the dancers’ rigorous physicality and the overall soundscape which overlaps voice recordings with live spoken words and the percussive sounds created by the dancers’ movement and breathing. The result is multi-sensory in feel and visceral in impact.
I have a bruise is supported by Rape Crisis and Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC). Safeguarding provision is integral to Laura Kenyon’s mission and all performances are attended by a trained counsellor engaged by the company to refer any affected audience members to appropriate service providers.
“For many women silenced by their terrible experiences, J’ai un Bleu provides an opportunity for these voices to be heard and amplified. It’s impossible not to be moved by J’ai un Bleu.”
Review by Dance Art Journal
Documentation from the research and development phase by Alice Underwood