‘Battered Woman’ brings story of domestic violence to stage in Albany

ALBANY – Albany Playwright Torry Jackson is using real life as inspiration for his latest production tackling the subject of domestic violence, with a main character faced with a choice of staying in an abusive relationship or seeking freedom.

“It’s a subject that I guess has (meaning) for me because I was a child who grew up in domestic violence,” Jackson said. “I grew up in it. I wanted people to know there is help out there. There is a way out. There is help for all parties.”

The production of “The Battered Woman” will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at Dougherty High School, with doors opening at 5 p.m.

Jackson, who performs in the play along with wife Tiffany, has been writing plays for about 20 years, and previously has staged productions in Albany, including “When Loving You Hurts Me,” the sequel “When Loving You Hurts Me 2,” “When a Man Cries” and “It’s a Man’s World, So You Say.”

In his latest offering Bri is a woman who is enduring the emotional and physical abuse inflicted by her husband, Malcolm. The couple’s relationship is tumultuous and Bri tolerates her husband’s behavior to protect their young daughter, Kim.

“As the play unfolds, we witness the escalating scars that both Bri and Malcolm carry,” Jackson said. “Kim, caught in the crossfire, represents innocence and the hope for a brighter future, but she is also affected by the toxic environment created by her father’s abuse.”

The scenes from the play give insight into Bri’s struggles with her self-worth and the societal pressures that keep her bound to Malcolm, the playwright said. Ultimately the character must choose between living in fear or freedom.

“We always try to deal with real and relevant themes people can relate to,” Jackson said. “The climax of the play sparks a transformative moment, ultimately leading Bri toward empowerment and hope.”

General admission tickets are $30 in advance and may be purchased at Phillips’ Men’s Store, Odyssey Records or online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-battered-womanthe-stage-play-tickets-1298744603069. Tickets are $35 at the door.