LIVING UNDERGROUND with Marta Dusseldorp
How do women find themselves in abusive intimate partner relationships?
How do they cope while in an abusive relationship?
How do they get out and finally, how do they recover and move on with their life?
Living Underground is an exploration of domestic abuse that combines two distinct story and visual elements, the “case studies” as told by those who have experienced domestic abuse firsthand and “creative expressions” by Felicity (dance), Sonia (costume design) and Marta (theatre performance). The case studies will be blended with the creative expression, providing a seamless storytelling narrative.
Programs focussed on domestic abuse have often been shot in a current affairs style and employ extensive observational documentary living camera. Living Underground is seeking an elevated storytelling approach which is more considered and artistic.
In the first instance we are curating and recording twelve “case studies” of women who have been in and survived domestic abuse. Their storytelling isn’t hurried, we allow the time and a safe space for each to tell their story.
The visual style of the recording of the interviews will ensure that each contributor is treated respectfully. Each has their own individual lived experience they are sharing. They have gifted their stories and have placed their trust in us to use their stories only in the way mutually agreed.
Many of our contributors are bravely telling their stories on camera – for the first time. We want this to be a good experience.
Living Underground is a universal story of intense personal insight told by those who know.