A POIGNANT new theatre piece – based on a series of interviews with real-life survivors of domestic abuse – will arrive on the stage in Bradford later this month.

You Are Here as a Witness has been produced by Bradford-based Common Wealth theatre company and commissioned by domestic abuse support service the Anah Project.

The production focuses on the survivors of abuse, exploring each character’s decision to stay or leave a problematic relationship, and will be performed at Bradford’s Theatre in the Mill from November 23 to 26.

Director Evie Manning said that the piece is based on 11 years of interviews with survivors of domestic abuse, as well as their friends, families and neighbours.

“We hope the show supports people to recognise signs of abuse and, importantly, to speak up and act as witnesses for each other,” she said.

“Domestic abuse statistics are still as heartbreaking as ever and as a company, Common Wealth wants to raise awareness of how it feels for women living with abuse on a day to day basis.”

You Are Here as a Witness follows the stories of three characters as their narratives unfold simultaneously.

Nicola is seven months pregnant and newly married, Anah is from Pakistan and only speaks Urdu, while Charlie is ten and has a violent and controlling father.

The piece embraces a multi-disciplinary style to communicate each narrative of control, fear, love and – ultimately – hope.

The piece’s original incarnation was Our Glass House, which won the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award in 2012-2013.

“We are incredibly proud of the original show, Our Glass House, which toured the UK to different residential houses and made a big impact, even contributing to the domestic abuse laws changing in Scotland,” added Evie.

“To revisit this special piece feels both exciting and vulnerable.”

The Anah Project is a support service for Black and South Asian women, helping those who may find accessing support particularly difficult due to language or cultural barriers.

A spokesperson for the Project said: “We are really excited to be partnering on this piece.

“We hope the play highlights the impact of domestic violence on Black and minoritised women, the complex barriers they face and raises awareness on attitudes and behaviours that normalise gender-based violence.”

Tickets for You Are Here as a Witness – which start at £5 – as well as dates and times can be found here.