Flowers Aren’t Enough
Wednesday, October 13 at 7 PM
Jewish Federation
524 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, CA
Flowers Aren't Enough is a monologue that tells the story of Michelle, a young woman
from an upper-middle class family who finds herself in an abusive relationship.
The monologue follows her relationship from its beginning, where love and attention
cause Michelle to excuse and overlook abuse. Michelle describes how her partner
gradually managed to narrow her world and isolate her; how she slowly sank into
a world of denial, guilt and despair; how she blamed herself for her partner's escalating
violence. She explains why she could not bring herself to accept the help offered
by social service workers. Michelle describes the roller coaster of violent quarrels
and tearful making-up that became her life, until she had to make a change.
The show was originally produced under the auspices of the Jerusalem Ministry of
Welfare, for a conference on domestic violence. The monologue is woven from true
stories and actual incidents, gathered in interviews conducted by Ms. Ackerman.
Unfortunately, such stories are all too common.
Flowers Aren't Enough has been performed over 300 times in Israel and the United
States, for diverse audiences including professional organizations, women's groups,
police officers, Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, community centers, high schools,
and all jails in the state of Israel. Violence is not a problem limited to one sector
of society and is therefore relevant to everyone.
After the 40-minute presentation, a discussion follows with audience participation,
usually lasting at least 40 minutes as well (often longer as lively dialogue ensues).
Ms. Ackerman, an experienced mediator and conflict resolution specialist, facilitates
the discussions. It is vital to educate toward responsibility and awareness, and
to awaken understanding that we must not allow abusive behavior. Accepting verbal
or physical abuse and degrading or humiliating situations merely allows them to
continue. Audience members are made aware that the cycle of violence can be stopped;
that there are places to go; that help is available, and that they are not alone.
About Naomi Ackerman
Naomi graduated from the prestigious Nissan Nativ Acting Studio in Israel and received
a B.A. from Hebrew University. She performed in "Cycles," a co-production with Palestinian
and Israeli actresses. She was one of the recipients of the first prize in the Acco
Festival in 1997 for her performance in "White Chair Alley."
She has appeared in "Fiddler On the Roof" with Chaim Topol, and was one of the lead
actors in "The Last Enemy," a project on Israeli-Arab coexistence.
Currently running both in Israel and the USA is her one-woman show on domestic violence,
"Flowers Arent Enough," with over 300 performances to date.
In Spring 2001, Naomi and three Israeli and Palestinian actors had a seven-day,
11-performance stint in Los Angeles as "Viewpoints," a theatre-improv group addressing
conflict resolution and Middle East coexistence, sponsored by the Los Angeles Jewish
Federation and Valley Alliance.
She has performed in numerous theatre, film and television productions. Naomi works
as a mediator and conflict resolution specialist. She writes and designs seminars
using drama as a tool for coexistence between diverse groups of individuals. Additionally,
Naomi is a professional clown, street performer and stilt walker.