In Powerful Drama, CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE: THE MAGDALENE LAUNDRIES, Powerstories Theatre Gives Voice to Silenced Women

The Magdalene Laundries didn't close until 1996. For twenty-two years, Powerstories has been driven by giving voice to women. With this in mind, though the subject matter is challenging to watch, our next play needs to be told more than ever in our history to give voice to the silenced women of the Magdalene Laundries. CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE: THE MAGDALENE LAUNDRIES is a drama set in 1980s Ireland that confronts the often-shrouded, controversial topic of abuse in the Catholic Church. We are the first in Florida to debut this vastly unknown story based on Ireland's sordid religious history. CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE: THE MAGDALENE LAUNDRIES is live at the theatre from April 28 to May 15 and available live-streamed on May 7, May 14, and May 15. Named after Mary Magdalene, the laundries were meant to be places of reform and repentance where women could wash away their sins while scrubbing dirty laundry to benefit the Church financially. In this premiering play, Rosemary is an unruly sixteen-year-old girl abandoned by her father at the Irish laundries under the pretense that he is taking her to a "strict" convent school to finish her high-school education. Instead, she finds herself a prisoner, overworked, underfed, and physically and mentally abused by the Magdalene Sisters. You don't want to miss this important performance. Get your tickets today. In recognition of our talented cast and assistant stage manager from Howard W. Blake Performing Arts High School and The University of Tampa, Powerstories is hosting BLAKE AND UT THEATRE NIGHTS on May 5, 6, and 7. Students with code can purchase tickets for only $10. Blake and UT students can email deb@powerstories.com for your code, then visit bit.ly/3L9YEhy to reserve your discounted ticket. Showtimes: Thursdays - Saturdays 8 PM EST, Doors open at 730 PM EST Sundays - 2 PM EST, Doors open at 130 PM EST Ticket Prices: $25 General Admission, $20 Students, Seniors, Military, $20 Live-Stream Discounts available for groups of 10 or more Directed by Fran Powers, CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE: THE MAGDALENE LAUNDRIES features Elena Tarpley as Rosemary Healey, Elyse Mulholland as Chrissie Healey, Christine Kent as Mam, Chris Tarpley as Da, Faith House as Cath, Cara Percoco as Brogie, Michelle Chrein as Heather/Cassie/Paulie, Molly Dakota Ganong as Molly/Marie, and Eliany Irizarry Figuerro as Patricia/Colleen/Fanny. Visit our YouTube Channel for interviews with the cast: Faith, Christine, Molly, Michelle, and Cara. "CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE sheds light on the harrowing stories of physical and psychological abuse of women who had been incarcerated in Irelands Magdalene Laundries. At Powerstories, we are driven to amplify true stories of courage, survival, and hope. We are honored to give voice to their stories. Women in the laundries were often punished if they spoke above a whisper. As we start each rehearsal, l remind the cast that this show is for all the women in the institutions, so they need to whisper no more," said Fran. "We are so excited to be producing this. Years ago, when my tour guide in Ireland learned that I had a theatre that specializes in true stories, he pleaded with me to someday tell this story on our stage. That day has finally come." Visit powerstories.com for additional information on CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE: THE MAGDALENE LAUNDRIES and the rest of our season, including THE VOICES OF WOMEN THEATRE FESTIVAL debuting eight local and national playwrights in theatre, live-streamed, and view of demand in July 2022, and the "funniest play to ever make you cry," the beloved STEEL MAGNOLIAS in September-October 2022. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Girlstories Leadership Theatre: Powerstories is has only 6 spots remaining for girls for its award-winning Girlstories Leadership Theatre Program, beginning in June 20 at the theatre. Rising fifth through eighth-graders can apply at https://forms.gle/CmBr3WNzTkqZfooK8. Scholarships are available. Apply today!