Actress and educator Naomi Ackerman has performed her one-woman show in Israel, India, Australia, New Zealand, Serbia, the Middle East, and across the United States. While every audience reacts differently, her show remains relevant to all communities. That’s because its topic is domestic violence: a crime that affects people of every nation, ethnic group, and socio-economic background.

Naomi Ackerman
Courtesy Photo

This Sunday, March 7, at 2 p.m., Ackerman will perform Flowers Aren’t Enough at Congregation B’nai B’rith (1000 San Antonio Creek Rd.). The show tells the story of a young woman from an upper-middle-class family who finds herself in an abusive relationship. Through monologue and movement, Ackerman portrays the way the world narrows for a victim of domestic violence, ultimately giving us a hopeful message about the possibility of recovery. Here are three reasons to catch the show. To learn more, call Domestic Violence Solutions at 963-4458 or visit dvsolutions.org.

1) It’s Important and Uplifting: One of the most striking things about Flowers Aren’t Enough is the way Ackerman’s character justifies her partner’s behavior rather than seeking help. Ackerman’s hope is that those who see the performance will have better awareness of the patterns of domestic violence so they can help stop the cycle. Though it’s a challenging topic, the show has an uplifting resolution. “It’s important to remember that there is hope in even the worst situations,” Ackerman said. “I hope people who see the show will be inspired to change their lives for good, and not just when it comes to domestic violence.”

2) It’s Dramatic Theater: You won’t soon forget this 40-minute monologue, which Ackerman delivers with great dramatic range. This is intimate live theater, a powerful artistic form that drives home its message in a lasting way. Ackerman’s character shares her story through description and dialogue, giving a vivid sense of her panic and distress in scenes like her wedding night when her husband first hits her, or meeting the social worker at the hospital after being beaten. After the performance, Ackerman will moderate a question-and-answer session with her audience.

3) Students Go Free: Ackerman is particularly committed to having young people attend the show, and students will be admitted free. “I really want to embrace younger audiences,” Ackerman said, adding that the more awareness young people have when it comes to domestic violence, the better able they will be to make good choices in relationships. Because of its disturbing subject matter, the performance is recommended for students in 9th grade and above.

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