VESSEL Takes The Controversy Of The Recent Irish Referendum On Abortion To The Edinburgh Fringe

There is a woman. Woman is pregnant. Abortion is still illegal in her country.

There is a man. Man is a journalist. He meets Woman and starts to cover her story. A story that will change the world

For her debut Edinburgh Fringe debut, Irish writer and performer Laura Wyatt O'Keefe tackles the divisive subject of women's bodies and women's rights in a compelling new drama. It is inspired by Ireland's recent referendum on abortion and real cases of women around the world not receiving medical treatment and support they need in their own countries. Vessel is a timely reminder that globally women are still fighting to gain control of their own bodies and their right to choose.

Audiences can see the show at Underbelly, Bristo Sq (Venue 302) from 3 - 27 August (no performance on 13th) at 1.05pm.

How far would you go for a cause you believe in?

How far is too far?

At its heart a love story, the play tells the story of an Irish right-to-choose activist. While using her own unwanted pregnancy to bring a legal challenge against the government she meets a journalist who interviews her to publicise her campaign. As their relationship develops he worries he is getting in too deep and begins to reconsider his situation.

Vessel uses wit and humour to explore the complexities of love and relationships in modern society, taking in motherhood, fertility, bodily autonomy and restrictive abortion laws in many countries. With campaigns and rallies for women's rights gathering momentum worldwide, it questions if we can ever separate a woman from her fertility? As a society do we value women as humans or just potential mothers?

On 25 May a referendum in Ireland produced an overwhelming vote in favour of repealing the 8th Amendment and allowing abortion on request up to the 12th week of pregnancy. Prior to this, each day 9 Irish women travelled to the UK, spending up to €1,000 to be considered as criminals - all in the pursuit of a safe abortion. There is still no firm date for the new legislation to be passed. Incredibly, women in Northern Ireland continue to make journeys to Britain for a procedure that remains illegal there - a country legally and constitutionally part of the UK.

Internationally renowned artist Bryony Kimmings mentored O'Keeffe through the early stages of the shows conception and said 'Laura Wyatt O'Keeffe's work is fresh, fearless and raw. Vessel is a timely yet timeless play about how we value women and fertility'.

Laura Wyatt O'Keeffe is part of a family steeped in Irish politics - her great granduncle was Michael Collins who fought for Ireland's independence and brokered/signed the peace treaty with the United Kingdom. As a performer, writer, facilitator, researcher, collaborator and activist she tells stories, in any way that she can - through theatre and site-specific performances, sound and video installations, spoken word and short films.

Vessel is performed by Laura and Edward De Gaetano. It was created with director Christopher Gatt and Laura is working with Bryony Kimmings as a mentor. The show was developed with support from Olivier Award winning Fishamble Theatre Company and input from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, Abortion Network Support, a GP, solicitor and activist Diane Munday.

http://www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/whats-on/vessel

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