Anger over Epstein and Andrew fuels festival of ‘female anarchy’
Anger over Epstein and Andrew fuels – A group of prominent female writers is coming together to stage a bold theatrical event in a financial office, channeling their “seismic rage” toward the Jeffrey Epstein case and paying tribute to his victims. Titled *All the Rage*, the large-scale production will take place across 15 rooms of a former insurance building in the City of London starting Thursday. The project, spearheaded by writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz, aims to challenge the traditional male-dominated narratives of power and money that have dominated the space.
A Theatrical Statement of Female Power
Lenkiewicz described the initiative as a deliberate act of defiance, creating a “female anarchy” that contrasts sharply with the environment it occupies. “This office was built around men and their financial pursuits, and we’re filling it with a different kind of energy—female voices, female stories,” she said. Over 70 UK-based playwrights, including Lucy Kirkwood, Penelope Skinner, Timberlake Wertenbaker, and Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, have contributed short scripts and texts for the performance and installations.
“Every day was full of the men and the money—so we thought it would be wonderful to have the female perspective on it,” Lenkiewicz added.
The event draws inspiration from the revelations in Epstein’s files, focusing on themes of dominance, abuse, and exploitation. Lenkiewicz, who previously wrote the 2022 film *She Said* about Harvey Weinstein’s case, is also showcasing a poem based on Virginia Giuffre’s memoir. Giuffre detailed her abuse by Epstein and her accusations against Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with her in 2022 and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Lenkiewicz expressed frustration with how media coverage of the Epstein files often sidelined victims. “There’s been a lack of time given to those who suffered, and we want to reverse that,” she said. The performance includes a poignant element: a letter to a man from Lenkiewicz’s past, which will be performed and then shredded. “It’s like sending something into the world you’ve never articulated before,” she noted. “I hope it feels like a release and a cathartic experience.”
The Performance’s Unique Elements
Penelope Skinner, another contributor, cited a striking photo from the Epstein files as the catalyst for her work. The image showed Prince Andrew kneeling beside an unidentified woman, her face redacted, symbolizing the anonymity of victims and the presence of powerful men. “That photo stuck in my mind and inspired the piece,” Skinner said. “It’s a powerful visual of how the faceless woman is placed in contrast to the dominant male figure.”
“The thing that activated my piece was the photograph of Prince Andrew kneeling next to what appeared to be the body of a young woman,” Skinner explained.
Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti echoed the sentiment, stating that the coverage of the Epstein files had “drowned out” female voices. Her contribution was influenced by a scene in the classic Bollywood film *Pakeezah*, where a courtesan dances on broken glass. “This night is an invitation to share an experience that’s about rage, but also about power and connection,” Bhatti said. “It’s like a cauldron of creativity, because I think we’ve had enough.”
Visitors will navigate through the office space, engaging with various performances and exhibits before gathering for a final collective show. The event seeks to amplify the voices of survivors, challenging the institutional silence that has long protected perpetrators. “We want to smash that silence and ensure women and all victims feel heard,” Lenkiewicz emphasized. “To be silenced is just horrific.”
