Schauspielhaus Graz

“Prima Facie”: A woman under cross-examination

Anna Rausch in "Prima Facie" at the Schauspielhaus Graz(Bild: Lex Karelly)

On International Women's Day, a play celebrated its premiere at the Schauspielhaus Graz that has enjoyed success around the world in recent years. In "Prima Facie", Suzie Miller tells the story of a lawyer who successfully defends men accused of sexual offenses. But one day she becomes a victim herself.

Tessa Ensler has made it. The smart and ambitious woman has worked her way up from humble beginnings: Top of her class at school, a law degree at an elite British university, a great job at a renowned law firm. There she quickly earns a reputation for defending men on trial for sexual offenses. Her talent: she prepares meticulously, clings to the law and uncovers contradictions in the statements of the accusers and investigative errors by the police and public prosecutor's office. And because the law says "in doubt for the accused" and Tessa knows how to sow doubt, she is successful.