Suzie Miller's stirring legal drama became a sensation in London in 2022 and was awarded the "Laurence Olivier Award" for best new play in 2023! It has become the feminist play of the hour in the MeToo debate and about sexualized violence against women.
The legal term "Prima Facie" means "on the face of it," "unless proven otherwise," "at first glance." At the heart of the play is Tessa Ensler, a successful defense attorney who specializes in defending men accused of sexual coercion or violence. However, in the cross-examination, it is often the women who are put under scrutiny, frequently becoming re-traumatized through the legal proceedings. Another issue in prosecuting such crimes is that they often occur without witnesses. Most rapes actually happen in private, within marriage, or in existing relationships. Consequently, as a defense attorney, Tessa does not need to prove that the woman consented! Instead, the defense only needs to assert that the man she is defending did not know that consent was lacking!
But then something unimaginable happens to Tessa: she herself becomes a victim of rape. Suddenly, she is faced with the question of how to move forward with her life. She becomes a witness for the prosecution and experiences the courtroom proceedings from the other side.
The author Suzie Miller has worked as a lawyer and is well aware of the issues in prosecuting sexual violence. Her highly acclaimed drama is a feminist manifesto in which a woman raises her voice against a legal system that protects the perpetrators.
On January 29, 2024, Suzie Miller's drama "Prima Facie" will also be released as a novel in the German book market. Suzie Miller can be experienced live, among other events, at Lit.cologne 2024.
Watch this timely piece on selected dates at our special venue, Theaterhaus Stuttgart!
"A Broadway hit" (nachtkritik.de)
"The play of the season" (Die Deutsche Bühne)
"A play that is causing a stir" (Der Tagesspiegel)
"This play is a statement. It encapsulates the dilemma of abused women. It clarifies why the number of unreported sexual crimes is so high, why many assaults are never reported. Because what comes after is unbearable for many victims. 'Prima Facie' is a plea for a change in the system." (Die Deutsche Bühne)
Premiere on February 8, 2024
Trigger Warning: This play deals with sexualized violence, rape, and traumatization, among other themes. Some audience members may find it distressing. Attendance at the performance is at your own risk.
Helpline "Violence against Women": 116 016 /
http://www.hilfetelefon.de 
Hallo, ich bin Maya.
