Acclaim for "Words Not Spoken"
Attendees of the JWI’s International Conference Youth Plenary Session where the “Words Not Spoken” drama depicted teen and young adult dating violence and abuse:
“Hedda Matza-Haughton and her group of actors bring life to the small stage with their production of ‘Words Not Spoken.’ Domestic violence has many faces and its impact on victims and their families is immeasurable. ‘Words Not Spoken’ helps break the barriers to discussion, provide affirmation to victims, and bring to light the many and varied faces of domestic abuse. This production should be required in all junior high and high schools.”
Written responses from participants:
| “Hedda was an amazing resource to the conference.” |
| “Actors terrific. I love Hedda!!!” |
| “Hedda is my hero. She taught me something.” |
| “Q & A after with characters was great.” |
| “Hedda's character moved me to tears.” |
| “Wonderful program!” |
| “Very moving” |
| “Awesome” |
| “Very powerful and memorable” |
Actors who portrayed different characters in a presentation of “Words Not Spoken,” which focused on teen and young adult dating violence and abuse:
“The issue of teen dating violence has always been important to me, but I never really understood how someone suffering from abuse would feel. When performing in ‘Words Not Spoken,’ I took on the persona of a teenage girl being abused by the boyfriend she was sure she was in love with, and I started to see everything differently. As I let the character I created speak and feel through me, I understood as well as anyone can the pain, fear, and confusion of a young girl whose first boyfriend is an abuser.” -Sarah Ifft
“’Words Not Spoken’ is a wonderful performance and experience. It was important for me to act in ‘Words Not Spoken’ at the March JWI conference, since depictions of gay, lesbian, queer and transgender intimate partner violence are often absent from conversations of the topic. I am grateful that Hedda gave me the opportunity to be one of the actors." -Miriam Barrere
Geri B. Elias, LCSW, attendee of JWI’s 1st International Conference on Domestic Violence in the Jewish Community, where “Words Not Spoken” showed domestic violence, child and elder abuse, teen and young adult dating violence and abuse:
"Hedda Matza-Haughton’s ‘Words Not Spoken’ was mesmerizing. The audience of professionals was riveted in their seats as they watched the creative drama unfold. You could hear a pin drop-no one was moving. Clinicians asked questions of the actors and participated in a discussion led by Hedda. They were rewarded with great insights into the issues surrounding abuse. The audience couldn’t get enough. This presentation, one of 96, was the highlight of our conference.” |
