Summary for performance of Groomed, Hamilton, NY 11/2/24 - FREE
How can a Truth be told? How can a Secret be spoken?
A betrayed schoolboy, a Japanese soldier, and the inventor of the saxophone.
Three narratives show how a story can save your life.
It’s bold, provocative, theatrical—and not for a moment depressing.
The award-winning play Groomed will be performed at 7PM on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Palace Theatre, 19 Utica St., Hamilton, NY 13346, with a talk-back after the show. The performance is FREE and open to the public (PG-13). Doors open at 6:15PM.
Performed by UK playwright and male survivor, Patrick Sandford, the 1-hour, 1-act play is set in an elementary school. The performance evokes strong emotions but is not graphic. Groomed was performed at the Vatican in Nov. 2023 and is meant to educate, inform, and be a catalyst for discussions about the reality of sexual abuse of minors.
For information contact: Michael Koplinka-Loehr, 607-592-8437, mak11@cornell.edu
Co-sponsors:
Madison County Children’s Advocacy Center
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, Hamilton, NY
The Hope for Children Foundation
HAVEN counseling Center, Colgate University; sexual assault response team
Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of NY (AFFCNY)
Community Memorial Hospital
Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Team (SARP): Hamilton/Morrisville Catholic Community
Reviews:
Astounding and transformational - VATICAN OFFICIAL
Astonishing text and delivery make this a chilling but unmissable study GUARDIAN**** (film)
Sheds much needed light on some dark places GUARDIAN **** (play)
A remarkable and brave piece of theatre FINANCIAL TIMES****
The urging of the need for empathy rather than dismissal, and for simple acknowledgement, hits home hard DAILY TELEGRAPH ****
Should be seen by anyone with a pulse and the memory of the vulnerability of childhood. ROGER GRAEF (BAFTA)
Extraordinary insight into the mind of both victim and abuser. DAME JOAN BAKEWELL
One of the most moving pieces I have seen. I left the theatre educated and entertained, a rare combination. SANDI TOKSVIG
Ferocious in its glorious truth. Much healing can occur because of this artistic generosity. JANETTE FORCE CEO PT Film Festival USA
As if a tiger had suddenly sprung out into the garden. MICHAEL FRAYN
You told your story; you told my story. You hit it way outta the park! Survivor US