Prima Facie by Suzie Miller

“Run, don’t walk.” “Should be seen by everyone!”
Time Out Australian Stage

An Ōtepoti Exclusive
Prima Facie by Suzie Miller
Produced and directed by Lara Macgregor
Starring Serena Cotton as Tessa

Tessa is a criminal defence lawyer operating at the top of her game until a life shattering event finds her on the other side of the bench. She's now suddenly forced to face the system she once so fervently believed in.

"If you've ever doubted that theatre still has the power to change the world, I hereby admit into evidence Prima Facie..." - NZ Herald.

Writer Suzie Miller was a human rights and criminal defence lawyer herself before becoming a playwright. This story sat within her all through her law days, and now her play Prima Facie is an unprecedented success. Winning multiple awards, voted one of the Top 5 Plays of the Century (The Stage U.K), adapted into a novel, and a film due for release next year, Prima Facie sits in a zeitgeist of its time because it speaks to the heart of injustice, hugely influencing the nature of how sexual assault cases for victims are dealt with in courts around the world.

This electrifying multi award-winning play is an unforgettable one-woman tour de force starring Dunedin's own Serena Cotton (Ablaze, The Gulf, The Brokenwood Mysteries). This is the third collaboration for actor and director Lara Macgregor, following Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Fortune Theatre) and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (The Court Theatre and another Top 5 of the Century plays).

This is Lara’s first solo produced and directed production since stepping down as Artistic Director from the Fortune Theatre in 2015;
“I cannot emphasize the impact this play will have on Dunedin. It’s rare I can say that about any play, but I know this to be true. Prima Facie is an - indictment of the legal system and its failure to provide reliable pathways to justice for women in sexual assault cases.*
Prima Facie is exceptionally sought after, and it took me a few months to secure the rights for Dunedin. The village has since risen up with unprecedented support to ensure this production happens. Serena is an outstanding actor and rights activist, and the marriage of this play and her performance will transform you.”

Content Warning: This production contains mature themes, sexual references and descriptions of sexual violence.
Recommended for audiences aged 15 years and above, parent or guardian advised.

Running Time: 100 minutes. No interval.

Prima Facie stands proudly on the shoulders of: He Waka Eke Noa Charitable Trust, Otago Community Trust, Dunedin City Council, Wow!Productions, Prof. Stuart Young, Alister McDonald and all those who have contributed to the Prima Facie GiveALittle Campaign.

Prima Facie was first produced by Griffin Theatre Company in May 2019 at the SBW Stables Theatre