Rosie O'Donnell and Julie Hesmondhalgh star in Pelicot Trial play
Documentary theatre performance at London's County Hall on 30 November will feature 30 actors and public figures.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA one-off documentary theatre performance titled The Pelicot Trial will take place at London's County Hall on 30 November. The production, created from trial documents and psychiatric reports, features 30 actors and public figures, including US comedian Rosie O'Donnell and Celebrity Traitors star Julie Hesmondhalgh.
Background to the Trial
The play is based on the trial of Dominique Pelicot, who was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. He was convicted of drugging and raping his then-wife, and allowing approximately 50 other men to assault her while she was unconscious. The case caused significant public outcry in France and internationally, leading Gisele Pelicot to become a recognised symbol of resilience against sexual assault.
Other notable participants in the four-hour play include Bridgerton's Adjoa Andoh, EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite, Truly, Madly, Deeply star Juliet Stevenson, All Creatures Great and Small actor Samuel West, Sixth Sense's Olivia Williams, and Slow Horses' Kadiff Kirwan. Comedian Rosie Jones, Dune actress Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Bridgerton's Lorraine Ashbourne, and Rizzle Kicks rapper Jordan Stephens are also confirmed to appear. Further casting is expected to be announced.
The Young Vic Production
The Young Vic theatre is staging The Pelicot Trial in London. The theatre company described the performance as a "profoundly affecting piece of documentary theatre, comprised of testimonies and written accounts from the trial, (which) pays tribute to the ordinary woman who opened the way to change." The production was developed in collaboration with French journalists and feminist organisations. The play will also be streamed online.
Gisele Pelicot, aged 73, has chosen to waive her right to anonymity as a survivor of sexual abuse. She has stated that the shame should be directed at her abusers, not herself. The Pelicot Trial has previously premiered in Vienna and has since been performed in cities such as Avignon, New York, Lisbon, Milan, and Bergen.
Tickets and Next Steps
Tickets for the London performance are scheduled to go on general sale on Wednesday. The play is scheduled for 30 November at London's County Hall.
Questions this report answers
01What is The Pelicot Trial play?
The Pelicot Trial is a documentary theatre play based on the trial of Dominique Pelicot. It uses testimonies and written accounts from the trial and psychiatric reports. The performance aims to pay tribute to Gisele Pelicot, the survivor of sexual abuse.
02Who is performing in The Pelicot Trial?
Thirty actors and public figures are participating in the play. Confirmed participants include Rosie O'Donnell, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Adjoa Andoh, Tamzin Outhwaite, Juliet Stevenson, Samuel West, Olivia Williams, and Kadiff Kirwan.
03When and where is the play being staged in London?
The Pelicot Trial will be staged at London's County Hall on 30 November. The performance will also be streamed online. Tickets for the London event go on general sale on Wednesday.
04What was Dominique Pelicot convicted of?
Dominique Pelicot was jailed for 20 years for drugging and raping his wife, and allowing approximately 50 other men to rape her while she was unconscious. The case involved widespread sexual assault.
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CourtsPelicot Trial play to feature Gisele Pelicot case accounts at London County Hall
