Women in Leadership: Prima Facie

On the 15th of May, the Charles Russell Speechlys Women in Leadership initiative had the privilege of hosting a private screening of Suzie Miller’s Tony and Olivier award-winning play, Prima Facie, in collaboration with charity partner, the Schools Consent Project (SCP).

The one-woman play, starring Jodie Comer, follows the life and career of Tessa Ensler, who has worked her way up from working-class roots to becoming a highly reputable criminal defence barrister. Often acting for defendants in sexual assault cases, we see Tessa’s stern and methodical approach to the law, trusting that the system is designed to ensure a fair trial and find those guilty where there is indisputable evidence.

As the play progresses, Tessa navigates the challenges faced by women within this legal framework when she finds herself in the position of the complainant. Grappling with the conflicting notions of burden of proof, morality and justice, Prima Facie powerfully showcases the lived experiences of many women who have struggled to find justice in the legal system.  

The play heavily explores the topic of consent, highlighting that 1 in 3 women experience sexual assault, drawing attention to the continuing epidemic of sexual violence and reinforcing that something has to change.

The play’s exploration of consent resonates deeply with the mission of the SCP, a lawyer-led initiative focused on educating the next generation, ensuring that they have the essential consent literacy from a young age, to reduce their likelihood of experiencing or perpetrating sexual harm. Led by Kate Parker, the SCP has already educated over 70,000 students and aims to expand its reach to 200,000 students in celebration of its 10-year anniversary.

Following the screening, over 75 women and male allies engaged in a Q&A session led by SCP founder Kate Parker and Broadway understudy Dani Arlington, covering consent, navigating the rise of misogynistic rhetoric online as showcased in Netflix’s hit show Adolescence, and the critical role that education can play as a solution for change.

This thought-provoking play and discussion left a lasting impression on attendees, and increased awareness of the significance of having these conversations, across all generations.  The event highlighted how crucial it is for us to educate ourselves and our children in the hope that one day, shows like Adolescence and plays like Prima Facie won't need to be made. 

If you would like to get involved and help the SCP with reaching their goal of educating up to 200,000 student this year, please contact us for more information.

Spearheaded by Corporate team members Sarah Wigington and Grace Hudson, the Women in Leadership initiative works to address gender imbalance at leadership level, both inside and outside the firm. We are dedicated to supporting women on their journey to leadership, bringing together female founders, investors, C-suite, General Counsel, professional advisers and others to create a network that celebrates diversity, encourages innovative thought and empowers every woman to rise to the top of her potential.

To attend future Women in Leadership events, please register your interest here.