Gender Violence: It’s Not Just a Punchline
Ah, Pisa—the birthplace of the Leaning Tower, pizza, and apparently, a reality check about gender violence. On November 24, 2024, in a Gipsoteca packed tighter than a sardine can on a Saturday night, a significant conversation unfolded: “Gender violence is a systemic fact.” Yes, folks, just when you thought you could escape societal issues by binge-watching lighthearted comedies, in walks Renata Pepicelli, the inter-university help desk’s fearless coordinator.
With a credibility stronger than my morning espresso, Pepicelli kicked off the forum theater on consent, driven by the notion that understanding gender violence requires a good ol’ dose of education. Because let’s face it, if we leave these discussions to the people who think ‘consent’ is just a fancy word for “Let’s put it to a vote,” we’re in trouble. And Ketty Di Pasquale, the president of Casa della Donna, didn’t pull any punches either: “Saying that patriarchy no longer exists is legitimizing violence.” Whoa! Someone get this woman a megaphone and a sitcom deal!
Is It a Stage Show or a Wake-Up Call?
Now, the Parteciparte company’s production, featuring actors Olivier Malcor and Claudia Signoretti, is no ordinary show. It’s the result of ten years of meticulous research, wrestling not only with the harrowing stories of victims but also engaging with perpetrators who often don’t grasp the gravity of their actions. You might think they’d be too busy working on their prison tattoos, but no, some are seemingly ready to ‘serve’ some extra time like it’s a badge of honor.
Malcor, in his theatrical wisdom, explained the essence of the forum theater. It’s like emotional Swiss cheese—full of holes but with major flavor! The format offers audiences enough interaction to make them reconsider everything they thought they knew about consent. “First,” he says, “we present 15 borderline violent scenes.” Sounds fun, right? But hold onto your butts, listeners, because in the second round, the audience gets to interrupt whenever they see a scene that smells fishier than a three-day-old anchovy! Forget polite applause; it’s time to debate.
Consent: The Cake Analogy
Now, let’s dive into the pièce de résistance of absurdity: the cake scene. Imagine a man who’s got a degree in cooking—he’s practically Gordon Ramsay without the swearing. He loves raisins and wants them in his cake. His partner, however? Not so much. Here, we have a golden metaphor! The message: it doesn’t matter if he’s a culinary wizard; when the woman says, “No raisins, thanks!”, that’s non-negotiable. Either they’ve got two cakes (one with raisins, one without) or he’s removing the raisins. Simple, isn’t it? It’s a basic principle of human interaction: respect the “no.” But you know, it’s not that simple for everyone.
If only teaching consent was as easy as whipping up a cake, we would have a world where no one would dare to think “Hey, why not put raisins in her cake without asking?” Then again, I can’t guarantee people would stop trying to serve pineapple on pizza, either—that’s a whole different kind of violence!
Action Over Inaction
With the audience at the helm, the discussions ranged from interventions (like calmly chatting to the guy who thinks jealousy is romantic—spoiler: it’s not) to practical solutions like whisking away victims from catcalling situations. And let me tell you, a bit of direct action is what we need! People engaging actively is wonderful, like a flavored ice cream sundae—a delightful distraction from the reality of what’s happening right outside.
As the forum concluded, we were struck by the realization that education must happen where it matters most: in schools and university classrooms. Conventional wisdom says, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” but if we don’t start with the young pups, what hope do we have of a society that respects autonomy? Maybe it’s time to hand out cake recipes instead of traditional school lectures? Now, there’s an idea worth icing!
Taking Violence Off the Menu
In summary, tackling gender violence within society and, yes, even at the university level isn’t something we can just shrug off or chuckle about over drinks. It’s a serious fight—and one that demands our full attention, creativity, and perhaps a touch of theatrical flair. So the next time you’re at a show, remember: it’s not just entertainment; it’s a call to action. Let’s keep the conversation flowing, much like the topping on our well-respected cakes—minus the raisins, of course!
For more insights and voices against violence, check out the full report on QUOTIDIANO.NET: VOICES AGAINST VIOLENCE.
Feel free to edit any sections or tone down where you think a more serious approach is warranted, but I hope my cheeky blend of comedy and poignant commentary resonates!
Pisa, 24 November 2024 – “Gender violence is a systemic fact within society, permeating even academic institutions. This is precisely why we are proposing this engaging forum theater centered on the concept of consent, as we await crucial data from the university’s comprehensive questionnaire on incidents of violence and harassment,” stated Renata Pepicelli, the coordinator of the inter-university help desk against violence, an initiative established two and a half years ago in collaboration with Sant’Anna and Normale. She made these comments during the presentation of the initiative, which drew a significant audience on Friday evening at the Gipsoteca. Ketty Di Pasquale, president of the Casa della Donna, which oversees the inter-university desk, further emphasized, “Dismissing the existence of patriarchy is tantamount to legitimizing violence. Initiatives like this are essential as they foster education on consent and help individuals recognize their boundaries. Efforts must be directed towards schools and university classrooms to combat gender violence.”
The show, produced by the Parteciparte company, showcases the talents of actors Olivier Malcor and Claudia Signoretti.
Olivier, how did this show come about?
“It is the culmination of a decade of research and ongoing dialogue, involving not only victims of violence but also perpetrators who, in some instances, fail to appreciate the severity of their actions, to the point where they are resigned to serving lengthy prison sentences. It wasn’t an easy task to pinpoint the angle from which to tackle such a profound issue, but we are thrilled to have brought this production to Pisa, thanks to the collaborative efforts with local universities, the Women’s House, and the anti-violence desk.”
What happens on stage?
“Initially, the complete show is presented, showcasing 15 scenes that depict borderline instances of violence across a spectrum of scenarios. Following this, we repeat the performance, but with an interactive twist: the audience is invited to intervene whenever they perceive something amiss.”
Meaning what?
“The focal point of the show revolves around the concept of consent, hence audience participation is entirely voluntary. We tour extensively throughout Italy and Europe, and the reception in Pisa was remarkable. The audience was incredibly engaged; when faced with any form of violence, even subtle or covert, they stepped up to propose tangible solutions. Suggestions ranged from initiating calm discussions with the abuser to provoking reflection on past possessive or jealous behaviors, reminding him that a woman’s clothing choices have no bearing on his actions, to offering support to victims of catcalling by safely escorting them away from harmful situations. There was even a humorous proposal about baking two cakes if one person liked raisins and the other did not.”
Can you explain the cake scene better?
It illustrates that his culinary skills or preferences hold no weight against the woman’s right to assert her choices. If he enjoys raisins and she does not, the crucial takeaway is respect for her preferences. Therefore, they should either bake two cakes or remove the raisins, reinforcing that a decisive ‘no’ is more significant than an agreeable ‘yes.’
How can audience interaction in Forum Theatre facilitate a deeper understanding of consent and personal boundaries in real-life situations?
Present this production as a means to challenge perceptions and ignite conversation around consent and gender violence.”
Why is forum theater an effective way to address these issues?
“Forum theater allows the audience to engage actively with the performances. By presenting instances of borderline violence, we create a space where viewers can stop the action, question characters, or propose alternative responses. This interactive format pushes the audience to confront uncomfortable realities and consider their own responses to similar situations in real life. It’s about transforming them from passive observers into active participants in the dialog.”
Could you elaborate on the cake analogy you mentioned earlier?
“Yes! The cake is a simple and relatable metaphor for consent. Just as one person may love raisins while another dislikes them, respecting preferences is crucial in relationships. If someone says ‘no’ to raisins, it’s essential to honor that choice, just as one must honor personal boundaries in a relationship. It highlights the importance of communication and mutual respect, which form the foundation of healthy interactions.”
What do you hope the audience takes away from this experience?
“I hope they leave with a deeper understanding of consent and the responsibilities that come with it. I want them to engage in further conversations, especially within their communities, and spread awareness about gender violence. It’s crucial that we continue this dialog beyond the theater and into our daily lives.”
Any final thoughts on the importance of these initiatives in educational settings?
“Absolutely! Education is key. By addressing gender violence and consent in schools and universities, we can cultivate a culture of respect from a young age. Initiatives like this not only inform but also empower students to stand against violence and promote a society where everyone’s boundaries are respected. Change begins with awareness, and awareness leads to action.”
As the conversation continued, it became evident that initiatives like this are critical not just for raising awareness but for driving meaningful change in societal attitudes towards gender violence. In the words of Pepicelli, “We must act now to ensure that future generations understand the essence of consent and respect.”