Liverpool rapper and multidisciplinary artist Raven Radha premieres her show Gaslit at Liverpool's *Unity Theatre, Hope Street on Saturday January 21.
It draws on people's experiences being on the receiving end of “gaslighting”. The show explores narcissistic abuse on different levels and is a semi autobiographical journey of self discovery and empowerment.
Gaslit aims to raise awareness about relationship mental abuse and oppression. It’s written and co-directed by Raven, a filmmaking and creative technology student at LIPA.
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Raven told the ECHO: "Written from the perspective of a female, it’s very relevant to all people in society. The piece has been curated to encourage the audience to look inwards how they treat themselves and others, and take responsibility.
"I’m a woman sharing these themes and experiences. Narcissistic abuse has no gender. I'm speaking to everyone who resonates with the vibe of breaking free and empowering themselves".
The term gaslight derives from a 1938 play by British Playwright Patrick Hamilton. It’s widely known from the 1944 film starring Ingrid Bergman where a husband manipulates his wife to believe she is mentally ill.
Gaslighting can be described as attempting to convince a victim the truth is something bizarre or outrageous by forcefully insisting on it or dismissing their contrary perceptions or feelings as invalid. Raven will raise awareness of the signs as often people don't know what they're experiencing is in fact gaslighting.
She said: "When talking about these issues, I find myself falling into a victim mentality. Seeing people feeling sorry for me is not something I enjoy. When I use poetic lyrical expression and convey the mood and feelings through music, the expression becomes an empowering experience for me and my audiences.
"Mental abuse is a serious form of abuse. If someone is using their words to diminish you; your partner, parents or even institutions, don’t believe them. Distance yourself as much as you can and begin your journey of self-love.
It’s layered with audio, visuals, smells, and movement. Gaslit aims to connect, keep the audience engaged and supported throughout their experience of it.
Raven added: "I've been involved in community drama, poetry and music as a young person for a number of years, and learnt what a great tool art is for processing the issues we face and using it as activism. It's essential to use different mediums to get messages out to younger audiences”.
Gaslit actress, Amita Maguire said: “For me, the message is about self-empowerment using difficult gaslighting situations and turning them into a personal superpower. "I can see many people, including myself, relating to it in many different ways. I’m happy and proud to be sharing this message with such an insanely creative team".
Dancer, Lewis Thomas said: “This show is something I can relate to. I’ve had to deal with a lot of narcissistic behaviour, people telling me what I can, can’t do or be.
“I’ve started listening to myself rather than others. Finding like-minded people has made me feel a lot more comfortable to be my authentic self".
Raven's co director, Chloe Roberts, added: "Initially as a photographer, much of the message struck close to my heart allowing me to help shape the production in the most authentic way using our mutual understanding of the topic.
"I feel strongly we must do better to heal one another through understanding the unspoken pandemic that underlines many of our relationships in a digestible relatable format".
For information visit *Unity Theatre HERE and follow Raven on Instagram: @ravenradha and for advice on domestic abuse visit **UK Says No More HERE
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