DOMESTIC abuse is the subject of a new play by a Gwent theatre company.

 

The Reality Theatre Company’s fourth production is Stand By Your Man which premieres at the Pen & Wig in Newport on May 18.

 

The play focuses on two couples: one in a physically abusive relationship, the other a young male gay couple dealing with emotional abuse. It also features a former abuser whose daughter is experiencing an abusive relationship.

 

Company founder Julie Benson wrote the play and explained that it shows what life can be like for some people dealing with abuse. She said: “There seems to be a lot in the news in recent months regarding domestic violence.

 

“We try and explore it within a relationship. We’ve also been looking at some of the statistics and about the amount of women who just keep going back to their man which is why we call it Stand By Your Man.”

 

Kiri Evans plays Beth, a woman in a physically abusive relationship with her partner.

 

She said: “If you recognise any of these signs or symptoms from the play in real life, don’t hesitate to act on them. There’s time where maybe friends and family could have seen cause for concern in our play, but they didn’t act on them.”

 

Will Craig, who plays one of the victims of abuse, hopes the audience will be able to leave feeling enriched about the issue of domestic abuse.

 

He said: “I would like the audience to see how the issues in the play are linked to their own lives. Hopefully, they can find a way that this can positively affect their outlook for the future.”

 

Stunt choreographers and instructors Ben Leonides and Volenté Lloyd of Firearm Training helped actors prepare for the emotionally difficult and physical violent scenes.

 

Mr Leonides said: “Domestic violence is a very serious issue and it’s one of those things that goes on everywhere on different levels and people don’t realise it.”

 

To find out more or to book tickets visit the Reality Theatre Facebook page or visit realitytheatre.co.uk