Upcoming A Stunning Silence
Projected date: Spring 2026
Approx. length: 60 minutes
Cast of 25
Theater: TBD
“When you rape a woman you rape a nation – and, it’s free.“
Denis Mukwege, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize 2018, Democratic Republic of the Congo “for efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.”
“Indifference, to me, is the epitome of evil.” Elie Wiesel
“The world is a dangerous place not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” Albert Einstein
I invite you to join us as we embark on a transformative journey entitled, A Stunning Silence, an exploration of rape as a weapon of war. As a seasoned choreographer committed to exploring themes of social justice, I found inspiration for this piece following the events at the Nova Music Festival in Israel on October 7th, a day also marked by the shameful absence of influential international bodies such as the UN Commission on the Status of Women, #MeToo, Women for Women, and other feminist groups.
Driven by a desire to shed light on these experiences endured by communities worldwide, I researched the narratives of women impacted by this barbarism. Rwanda, Kosovo, the Yezidi of Iraq, Ukraine, and Israel emerged as focal points.
Through a blend of dance, contemporary and traditional music, spoken word in each language, prayer and visual elements, we seek a powerful theatrical experience which honors each country’s right to their own culture and religion, safe from those who would destroy it.
With a cast of 25 handpicked performers, the figure of Justice is ever present. Five luminous Matriarchs and the women from each country, the aggressors, and those who choose not to see or are too afraid to do so – dance these moving stories.
I am consulting with friend and colleague Rebecca Tinsley, whose work in war zones as founder of Waging Peace aligns closely with the themes of our project; and drawing insights from Christina Lamb’s powerful book, Our Bodies, Their Battlefields.
As a companion piece to A Stunning Silence, we are creating a documentary in collaboration with our editor, Eve Cuyen of Harlem Pictures. Through interviews and open dialogue with actual survivors and performers from these countries, we aim to amplify voices long silenced.
Say their names, and let their stories be told.
Sasha Spielvogel
Artistic Director
