The cell in Amstetten: theater against partner violence and for consciousness

The cell in Amstetten: theater against partner violence and for consciousness

Amstetten recently experienced a moving play entitled "Die Zelle", which was performed as part of the Stop Amstetten project. Stop stands for "districts without partner violence" and aims to raise awareness of the problem of partner violence. The performance took place in an empty apartment that was made available by the municipality, and thus created a very intimate atmosphere that helped the viewers to deal with the subjects of the play.

The focus of the play is the protagonist Franziska, who comes across a suitcase full of childhood memories when moving to a new apartment. This discovery leads her on a journey into her past, where she has to recognize how her childhood experiences affect her current life. The perspective from which the story is told - namely the daughter's point of view - emphasizes an often overlooked impact of partner power: the deep scars that leaves such experiences in children.

Discussion and reflection

After the performance there was a stimulating audience discussion in which the director Constance Cauers and the leading actress Caroline Weber took part. Magdalena Weilguny, one of Stop's representatives, emphasized that "the cell" goes far beyond a normal play. Such events are essential to raise public awareness of the topic of partner violence and to stimulate a dialogue. It is important that the voices of those who suffer from violence are heard, especially when it comes to their children.

The event and the piece itself not only entertained, but above all suggested to think about a profound and often painful topic. The initiative attracted listeners who were ready to deal with the heavy content and, if necessary, to gain new perspectives. This is a significant step on the way to a better understanding and possibly to prevent partner violence in the community. Further information on this important topic can be found in a detailed report on www.tips.at .