An immersive installation, reclaiming the stories of childhood sexual abuse survivors.
As He Said: stories of rust and stardust is an intimate and thought-provoking theatrical experience that delves into the personal narratives of individuals who have experienced sexual assault as children. It's a powerful multidisciplinary performance installation that invites audiences to witness first-hand the courage and resilience of survivors as their stories are reclaimed.
Production
The main source of research for this project was derived from interviews conducted with survivors of childhood sexual abuse. These interviews were recorded via video/voice.
The main reason behind these interviews was to define the most ideal ways for these survivors’ stories to best be expressed, rather than simply reinterring the exact abuse they each faced.
From these interviews I began the artistic development of these stories, looking into a variety of disciplines; ranging from photography to dance and music.
This piece is a non-linear installation that uses various performance disciplines, including music, dance, photography, and spoken word.
It was important that every artistic endeavour was infused with a personal connection to the survivor or survivor's story.
Marketing Materials
PHOTO: Promotional Poster, As He Said (2024) PHOTO: Cast Promo, As He Said (2024)
Photos from the installation
As He Said: stories of rust and stardust, University of East London, 02/07/2024
Photos from Concert performance
As He Said: stories of rust and stardust, Camden Peoples Theatre, 10/07/2024
Themes and Inspiration
Lolita
Vladimir Nabokov's 1955 novel "Lolita" explores the complex relationship between a middle-aged man and a young girl. The novel is told from the perspective of Humbert Humbert, a paedophile who becomes obsessed with the innocence and sexuality of Dolores Haze, also known as Lolita. (Nabokov, 1955)
Throughout the novel, Humbert exerts a powerful control over the truth. With his skilful use of language and narrative techniques, he portrays himself as a victim of circumstance rather than a perpetrator. As he describes the events, Humbert frequently paints himself in a favourable light and downplays his involvement in Lolita's exploitation.
"Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul." (Nabokov, 1955)
(These words, while poetic and affectionate on the surface, reveal the dark and manipulative nature of his relationship with Lolita.)
PHOTO: Lolita Novel, Vladimir Nabokov (1955)
The narrative technique Humbert employs is also instrumental in manipulating the truth. A layer of complexity is added to his storytelling by adopting the voice of an unreliable narrator. Humbert's narration contains contradictions and inconsistencies, making it difficult for the reader to discern the truth from his lies. Intentionally leaving the reader in doubt about his version of events, he further reinforces his control over the truth.
Sally
Despite the widespread discussion and analysis of the book, one aspect is often overlooked: the inspiration behind the character of Lolita, also called Dolores Haze. This novel was loosely based on the true story of Sally Horner, a young girl who was kidnapped and forced into a life of sexual exploitation in the 1950s.
In Baltimore, Maryland, a young teenager named Sally Horner fell victim to a notorious paedophile named Frank La Salle. La Salle abducted her when she was 11 years old. La Salle's journey took Sally across several states, where she was raped and abused repeatedly.
The story of Sally Horner has been largely forgotten even though the book has become a masterpiece of literature. The details of her traumatic experiences are often obscured by the narrative of Nabokov's fictional character, which often overshadows the details of her own. Sally Horner is deprived of justice and closure as a result of this lack of recognition.
PHOTO: Sally Horner during her abduction
Quiet on set
'Quiet on Set' is a ground-breaking documentary series that examines childhood sexual abuse and paedophilia. The series sheds light on the devastating effects these crimes have on their victims, their families, and society as a whole. This series aims to educate, raise awareness, and challenge social norms surrounding sexual abuse through the personal stories and experiences of survivors.
PHOTO: Quiet on set documentary (2024)
The series sheds light on the pervasive problem of paedophilia in the entertainment industry. By sharing personal stories and expert testimony, "Quiet on Set" challenges common myths and misconceptions about sexual abuse, offering survivors a platform to share their experiences and advocate for change.
The importance of "Quiet on Set" cannot be overstated. This series is a stark reminder of the devastating effects childhood sexual abuse can have on individuals, both physically and emotionally. The series challenges society's tendency to ignore or minimize crimes such as these by presenting the real-life stories of survivors. Viewers are encouraged to take action to prevent such abuses by encouraging empathy, understanding, and taking action.
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