It’s the 21st century and you’d think that gender-based violence would be becoming something belonging to the past. Alas, it seems that as a society we are far from wiping it out of our lives. Throw in some shockingly new yet outdated abortion laws in the US, and it is quite an unbelievable time to be a woman. Caught in between liberation and backwards concepts, still fighting to be respected.

A new local performance tackles a tough topic that many women face, through dance. For the first time in Cyprus, some 20-plus women aged 18 to 65, professional dancers and amateurs, find the courage to recount their experiences on stage, to regain their lost dignity and pride and to urge every woman who suffers from gender-based violence to seek help. Twenty-plus-one women will take the first step of breaking the chain of silence to finally reach their redemption.

The 20 plus One production, conceptualised and choreographed by George Demopoulos, first premiered in Limassol and on Sunday it arrives at Strovolos Municipal Theatre for one night only. Held under the auspices of House President Annita Demetriou, the performance welcomes the women to the stage for a chance to tell their stories, let go of the stigma and bring the topic into the spotlight.

“No one,” say organisers, “should feel indifferent and apathetic about the statistics on violence against women in Cyprus. According to the statistics of the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies, which is supporting the event, 28 per cent of women have experienced some form of domestic violence, including economic, psychological, sexual and physical violence. Thirty six per cent of women and girls have experienced sexual harassment. One in 5 women has experienced some form of physical or even sexual violence by their former or current partner. Forty femicides were recorded from 2010 to 2016 and 70 per cent of them were committed by a current or former partner. During the pandemic, all forms of violence against women and girls have risen sharply. Indicatively, calls to helplines increased by 50 per cent.”

With some 20-something women on stage, of all ages, the 20 plus One performance is a production full of vulnerability and rawness as it addresses a sad reality that could be happening right next door, or worse, right here.

20 plus One

Dance performance on abuse and violence against women. July 17. Strovolos Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 8pm. www.tickethour.com.cy and ACS Couriers. Tel: 96-650593