It's time to talk... about consent

Friday 06 October 2017

Talking about consent is a difficult conversation to have, but often a necessary one. It doesn't have to be all serious though, as a play staged by a local performance artist, and which include a pink inflatable sofa, proves.

Lauren Aimee Brunch is finally coming back to the Jersey stage, after many years away. And she is not coming empty handed: she has brought with her her latest creation, 'The Conversation,' and will play at the Opera House on 6 and 7 October at 20:15.

“I have always been a drama queen, according to my parents.” Lauren Burch caught the acting bug at a young age, but what could have been nothing but a passing craze stuck through the years. So much so, that performing arts were Lauren’s favourite subject from her GCSEs at Hautlieu all the way to Chichester University. However, after playing Cinderella in primary school and many other parts, Lauren realised she wanted to be making rather than just acting.

At 23-years-old, she has already created four different shows, including one about Jersey and its heritage, aptly named ‘Bean Missing.’ What Lauren likes the most about being on stage is the ability to both express herself and hide away. Yet, she mostly performs as herself. “I think it is more honest. I enjoy watching honesty and something that I know is true. I like being able to portray that,” she explains.

Yet, creating plays is not always a pleasure cruise. “It is hell,” confides Lauren, “It is really hard. There is a lot of organisation and admin and even university couldn’t prepare you for how extreme it is. I love it and it’s worth it, but it is hard.”

Pictured: Lauren and her trusty pink inflatable sofa. (Chris Johnson)

In her latest play, “The Conversation,” Lauren explores the subject of consent and how we talk about it. Using autobiographical aspects, she tackles the issue to keep the conversation going, literally. “I got frustrated with the idea of victim blaming and people not talking about things that are really important. I talk to the audience as myself so that they get to know me before I get into the nitty gritty.”

Born and bred in Jersey, Lauren says the island is, “…so beautiful that it allows your creative side to come naturally. You can’t help being inspired by how beautiful the surroundings are.” Although she moved out five years ago, leaving behind her favourite beach at Green Island, Lauren comes back as often as possible, mostly because she misses the sun … and her family. She will be back on 6 October, to play “The Conversation” at the Opera House, a stage that should feel familiar as she performed there in 2014. “They gave me an insane opportunity. I am really excited to come back and also a bit nervous because I am returning with a really personal piece. It will be nerve-wracking to play in front of the people I grew up with but I am looking forward to it.”

Super keen for this weekend. Getting ready for #TheConversation in the Jersey Opera House… https://t.co/Ym2To8cRcR

— Lauren Aimee Burch (@laburch1) October 2, 2017

The Conversation, Jersey Opera House, Friday 6 October and Saturday 7 October at 20:15