Play Ruined in Washington, D.C.

Summary

The video highlights the play 'Ruined,' which portrays the horrific realities faced by women in the Democratic Republic of Congo during wartime. Written by Lynn Nottage, it tells the story of Mama Nadi, who runs a brothel where women, raped and abandoned by their families, seek refuge. The play explores the emotional and physical trauma of these women, juxtaposing their resilience with the brutality they endure. Cast members discuss how performing the play has affected them and their hopes for raising awareness and fostering change regarding violence against women in conflict zones.

Takeaways

• 📈 The American Journal of Public Health reported a staggering 48,000 women were raped in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2006 and 2007, a figure significantly higher than the United Nations' estimates.
• 🏆 'Ruined', a play by Lynn Nottage, won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and tells the story of women in the Congo whose lives are forever changed by rape and violence.
• 🌿 The play is set in a brothel in the Democratic Republic of Congo, run by Mama Nadi, a character who both shelters and exploits the women who work there.
• 👩‍🎤 The play is based on true accounts of Congolese women the playwright met in Uganda in 2004, who were fleeing armed conflict.
• 👥 The cast includes characters who are victims of rape and those who perpetrate the violence, adding depth to the narrative by showing different perspectives.
• 🌐 The play aims to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of rape as a weapon of war and its devastating impact on women's lives.
• 🎭 The performances are designed to be visceral and raw, allowing the audience to feel the experience and understand the gravity of the situation.
• 💡 The play hopes to inspire action among audience members, moving them from awareness to activism in addressing the issue.
• 🌟 The cast members have been personally affected by the material, finding it challenging to perform but recognizing the importance of telling these stories.
• 🌱 The play's impact is expected to continue beyond its run, with the hope that it will inspire change and continued dialogue about the issue.

Q & A

What is the estimated number of women raped in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2006 and 2007 according to the American Journal of Public Health report?

The report estimates that 48,000 women were raped in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2006 and 2007.

How does this figure compare to the United Nations' estimates?

The figure is 26 times higher than that estimated by the United Nations.

What is the play 'Ruined' about?

The play 'Ruined' is about ordinary women in the Congo whose lives are forever changed due to rape and the consequences of war.

Who wrote the play 'Ruined'?

The play 'Ruined' was written by Lynn Nottage.

What inspired Lynn Nottage to write 'Ruined'?

Lynn Nottage was inspired to write 'Ruined' after meeting Congolese women in Uganda in 2004 who were fleeing armed conflict.

Who is Mama Nadi and what is her role in the play?

Mama Nadi is a character in the play who runs a brothel in the Atari rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She is portrayed as a survivor who both shelters and exploits women.

What is the significance of the character Mama Nadi in the play?

Mama Nadi's character is significant as she represents the complex reality of survival in war-torn areas, showing both resilience and moral ambiguity.

How does the play depict the resilience of Congolese women?

The play depicts the resilience of Congolese women through characters like Mama Nadi, who despite the harsh realities, continue to survive and resist.

What is the purpose of having talkbacks after performances of 'Ruined'?

The talkbacks after performances aim to raise awareness about the issues presented in the play and to engage the audience in discussions that might lead to action.

What is the impact of the play on the actors who portray victims of rape and soldiers?

The actors are deeply affected by the roles they play, with some finding it difficult to sleep at night and others reflecting on the cycle of violence and trauma.

How does the play 'Ruined' aim to raise awareness and potentially influence change?

The play 'Ruined' aims to raise awareness by presenting a visceral and emotional portrayal of the realities of war and sexual violence, with the hope that it will inspire audience members to take action.