Poppemie
Seven women.
All of them have experienced sexual abuse. All of them want to speak about it, to bring attention to the issue. To make clear the far-reaching consequences that such an act of sexual aggression can have on a victim – whether woman or man. To bear witness to how you’re robbed of your identity when you’re forced to stay silent for years about physical and mental transgressive behavior.
Seven women.
They met weekly and worked with each other’s stories. They laughed and played, connected through play, words, and bursts of laughter. Because there was laughter: even though the subject is charged, their lives are full of light, crazy, lonely, and connected moments.
POPPEMIE (NOT A TOY) is the theatrical expression of their experiences and their coming together. Seven women tell of their silence, play with dolls, and celebrate that from now on, they will speak.
directed by Leen Braspenning
with seven women from a support group of PUNTvzw
coaching Heidi Timperman, Xandra Vervoort en Lauranne Paulissen
communication Ans Cornelissens
production BRASART
with help from Tutti Fratelli, Vaarttheater Schoten, PUNTvzw
2025