The strength of sisterhood _{by Madelaine Empson}

One charismatic, venomous narcissist. One web of lies. Three unsuspecting women, each of them entangled. One play: Sister Wives, based on an unsettling true story that happened right here in Wellington, New Zealand.

Running at BATS Theatre from the 16^th to the 19^th of October, Sister Wives is a compelling new black-box production by Natasha McAllister, who says she is feeling incredibly exited and supported to make her professional playwrighting and directorial debut.

McAllister explains that Sister Wives is, in essence, verbatim theatre.

“This is based on a real-life story. So when it started to feel unbelievable I knew I needed to start writing it down and taking strong notes. I have endless text messages, voice messages, receipts, and photos for reference. I’m also very grateful that the real ‘Sister Wives’ let me interview them.”

In Sister Wives, presented by Dollhouse Productions, three strong woman in beautiful red dresses stare directly down the camera with vulnerability and vengeance.

“Everyone in that audience will relate to one of these women, or know of someone close to them that does”, McAllister says, adding that her super talented cast of Jade Merematira, Maya Handa Naff, and Tabatha Killick had her laughing and crying at the first readthrough.

She hopes the development season will encourage other people to tell their stories – to write, dream, and do the scary thing – and to walk away feeling empowered, connected, and like they aren't alone.

“It is first and foremost a story about female camaraderie. So many people are in the ‘Sister Wives Club’ and it’s about educating people that it is ok to call out the red flags, and also that it’s ok to have a big heart.”