“We are beyond grateful to Emerson Theatre for bringing awareness to these issues and for including Verde Valley Sanctuary in the partnership.”
Written by Anita Yellin Simons, “Silence is Not Golden” begins the 18th season of production for ETC and is scheduled for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 12-14, at Verde Valley School’s Brady Hall, 3511 Verde Valley School Road. Friday and Saturday times are set for 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday.
The play begins with Linda, a young newlywed, who is so in love with her husband, Larry, that she believes him when he tells her everything is her fault. Each time there is an “incident,” she continues to stand by her man and wait for a better day. What other choice does she have? Finally, she reaches her limit and fights back. But at what cost to her?
Actors are from a variety of locations, including New York, Los Angeles and Northern Arizona.
Audrey Young is set to play Linda, while Joel Austin was cast for the role of Larry. Others include Jake Monson as Officer Wilson, Joel Diggs as Officer Smith, Kandy Kapelle as Judi and Annie Thomas as Linda’s understudy.
VVS, a local nonprofit whose mission is to provide safety, services and comfort to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, offers a 24/7/365 pet-friendly emergency shelter and crisis hotline, transitional housing, lay legal advocacy, community-based advocacy, public outreach and awareness and youth violence prevention education.
During fiscal year 2023-24, VVS provided services to nearly 1,400 survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including nearly 10,000 bed nights provided and more than 1,000 crisis hotline calls answered.
Producer and co-Director Camilla Ross said that “Silence is Not Golden” reveals how important mental health is when it comes to being aware of domestic violence.
“It’s a place where we’ve failed to have the conversations and we’ve failed to support the importance of mental health in the lives of those who suffer from the illness,” Ross said. “Domestic violence is associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance abuse. We must get this right.”
Ross added that “Silence is Not Golden” is being dedicated to Kelly Paduchowski, a local Verde Valley resident who recently lost her life to domestic violence. Statistics show 72% of domestic violence cases are committed by a current or former spouse, partner or acquaintance.
Co-Director Kaycee Palumbo added that with so many unreported domestic violence cases out there, raising awareness is key, and “Silence is Not Golden” will help accomplish that.
“Any opportunity, through any medium and especially through art, is a profound and fantastic way to spread awareness about the issues and complexities of domestic and sexual violence victimization,” said Executive Director Jessye Johnson. “We are beyond grateful to Emerson Theatre for bringing awareness to these issues and for including Verde Valley Sanctuary in the partnership.” VVBN
Tickets to the “Silence is Not Golden” production are on sale now, with general seating at $40 and reserved seating at $50 when purchased in advance. At the door, general seating is $55. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit VerdeValleySanctuary.org or emersontheatercollaborative.org/event/silence-is-not-golden.
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