Theatre / Child Sexual Abuse
Using an evolving paper doll installation, Viv Gordon shares her story as a survivor of child sexual abuse
Viv Gordon is a Bristol-based artist, campaigner and Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) survivor-activist who makes and performs work around the UK to increase visibility and community for fellow survivors.
Her recent work has included collaboration with University College London exploring public misconceptions around CSA survivors, as well as a multi-artform work blending coastal walking, imagery and anarchist songs.
Since 2021, she has been performing the installation and live performance called Cutting Out, which will be coming to Tobacco Factory Theatres for three performances between June 5-7.
is needed now More than ever
Cutting Out, Viv Gordon Company – photo: Ed Felton
Co-written with Tom Roden, who also directs, the project utilises paper dolls as a symbol of hope, connection and resistance: emblematic of Gordon’s belief in the power of art as a tool for creative freedom and unity, as well as breaking through the “vacuum of silence” in which she was once held.
Over the years, hundreds of people have cut out their dolls, which are joined at the hands and hung up around the performance space, and every new audience is invited to contribute to the vast swathes of paper chains that criss-cross the stage.
Photo: Ed Felton
Sarah Blowers, former co-artistic director of Strike A Light theatre, called the experience “one of the most moving, thrilling, angry and poised pieces of theatre I have ever seen.
“Viv Gordon holds the space in a way that made me hold my breath, grip my knuckles, cry, and feel completely safe. This is brilliant theatre.”
Viv Gordon – photo: Roswitha Chesher
Cutting Out is at Tobacco Factory Theatres on June 5-7 at 7.30pm (50-minute show, before an optional post-show chat). Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.
Main photo: Ed Felton
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
