The Unrestroom
15-minute devised play
TASIS The American International School in England
Diana Benefit Concert, February 2018
Inspired by the old-hat question, "why do girls go to the bathroom together?", THE UNRESTROOM takes place in various private and public bathrooms to explore the unique intimacy and privacy of female friendships. It myth-busts patriarchal perceptions of femininity, normalizes menstruation and body hair, and shines a light on the realities of depression, academic stress, body insecurity, and sexual assault that teens face.
THE UNRESTROOM was presented at the annual Diana Benefit Concert, one of the largest student-run events organized by the TASIS World Issues Society (TWIS). All proceeds go to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for Inspirational Young People (est. 1999), which is awarded to students who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to community service, and which is funded entirely by donations.
Devised & performed by Karina Patel, Anenwojo Omagu, Kamila Lagraba, Dami Fagbemi, Lily Blaisdell Hamilton, & Sabrina Zanello Jackson
Intimacy Choreography - Lily Blaisdell Hamilton & Sabrina Zanello Jackson
Process Documentarian - Dami Fagbemi
Lighting Design - Sabrina Zanello Jackson
Sound Design - Karina Patel
Media Design - Kamila Lagraba
Light Board Operator - Annabel Tan
Sound Board Operator - Anenwojo Omagu
Projections Board Operator - Dami Fagbemi
Photography - Madeleine Boyd
After the performance, we held a talkback with the audience, which yielded an intimate and honest dialogue between students, teachers, and parents of all genders (see image above). We were then invited to regular private meetings with the Head of School to continue exploring how to address the issues of mental health and sexual assault in the Upper School.
The Unrestroom
Video by Nicola Holdaway