Whether shrouded in secrecy or deemed too uncomfortable to discuss, plenty of perfectly natural experiences and feelings remain near impossible to talk...

Bloody Taboos

Location:

Level 2, 400 George Street
2000 NSW
Australia

Venue:
Vivid Ideas Exchange - Telstra Customer Insight Centre
Bloody Taboos
Bloody Taboos

Featuring

Elfy Scott

Elfy Scott

Elfy Scott is an award-winning journalist, podcaster and presenter working in Sydney. Elfy started out her career at BuzzFeed News Australia as a science reporter, and her journalism has featured in publications such as The Guardian, The Saturday Paper, Junkee and VICE. She also currently co-hosts the Spotify Exclusive Australian politics podcast Left Right Out and the weekly environmental news podcast The Green Canary. Elfy's greatest joys include explaining complicated things in accessible ways, speaking passionately about climate action, and napping.

Yumi Stynes

Yumi Stynes

Yumi Stynes is best-known as an author and broadcaster who specialises in women's issues around bodily autonomy, racial truth-telling and the politics of having a uterus. She has two new books out this year, a podcast with SBS, a podcast with ABC, and a podcast with iHeartRadio.

Eloise Snape

Eloise Snape

Eloise Snape is an award-winning writer, actor, producer and voice artist. She has worked extensively as an actor in theatre and she works consistently on screen, most recently in Voice Activated and for CBS/Binge, Colin from Accounts. As a producer, she has worked with Ensemble, Griffin and is currently a Creative Producer with Critical Stages. Eloise’s debut work as a writer Pony was shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2022-23, the Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award 2021, the Patrick White Playwright’s Award 2022 and the Griffin Award 2022. Pony will premiere at Griffin Theatre Company in 2023.

Maree Lipschitz

Maree Lipschitz

Maree Lipschitz B.Sc. (Hons) Grad. Dip. Lib. Sc. has facilitated thousands of women and girls through the transitions of menarche (puberty), motherhood and menopause over 20 years. In these female rites of passage programs, Maree uses both her scientific research background - as well as a more holistic, integrative approach - to educate and inform women of the joys and pitfalls of each stage. Maree is currently writing a book From Menarche to Menopause (working title) to share the wisdom and insights gained from her own life journey, together with what she has learned from others along the way.

Access and Inclusion

  • Auslan Interpreted - Auslan interpreted events are for audiences who are Deaf and use Australian Sign Language (Auslan) as their primary means of communication. Experienced Auslan theatre interpreters stand to the side of the stage and translate what the speakers are saying or Auslan signing the text and dialogue live. Audiences requiring this service are seated in the section closest to the interpreter to ensure good sightlines.
  • Companion Card Acceptance - The Companion Card is for people with a significant permanent disability, who always need a companion to provide attendant care type support in order to participate at most available community venues and activities.
  • Hearing Loop - A hearing loop (sometimes called an audio induction loop) is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to 'T' (Telecoil) setting. Many venues have an induction hearing loop system. Check if your venue has this system.
  • Wheelchair Accessible - Access to the venue is suitable for wheelchairs (toilets, ramps/lifts etc.) and designated wheelchair spaces are available.

Event Details

Whether shrouded in secrecy or deemed too uncomfortable to discuss, plenty of perfectly natural experiences and feelings remain near impossible to talk about. Featuring Elfy Scott, Eloise Snape, Maree Lipschitz and host Yumi Stynes, Bloody Taboos brings together a panel of myth-busting, taboo-breaking women tackling physical, mental and social stigmas. 

Elfy Scott is a journalist and author of The One Thing We've Never Spoken About, a memoir-investigation hybrid that examines how Australia’s mental health system gravely fails those with complex mental health conditions like bipolar, schizophrenia and psychosis.

Playwright Eloise Snape's Pony will be on stage at Griffin Theatre during Vivid Sydney – a comedy about an eight-month pregnant woman completely uncertain whether she wants and can handle a kid. Tackling psychosis and mental health issues around motherhood, Pony addresses taboos with a light touch.

After being long ignored or underplayed by medical professionals, menopause is no longer hidden in the shadows. But as menopause expert and advocate Maree Lipschitz can attest, the rise of menopause products with celebrity endorsement doesn't smash stigma – there's more to learn, and the conversation is ongoing. 

Together, this panel will discuss taboos at large, drawing upon their unique insights to dissect how we can shift conversations and make these every day, natural experiences easier to discuss and address without shame or embarrassment.

This event is part of Vivid Ideas' Human Nature series. Challenge the 'natural' ways of thinking, and explore the emerging new normals across sex, relationships, body politics, travel and more.

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Access and Inclusion

  • Auslan Interpreted - Auslan interpreted events are for audiences who are Deaf and use Australian Sign Language (Auslan) as their primary means of communication. Experienced Auslan theatre interpreters stand to the side of the stage and translate what the speakers are saying or Auslan signing the text and dialogue live. Audiences requiring this service are seated in the section closest to the interpreter to ensure good sightlines.
  • Companion Card Acceptance - The Companion Card is for people with a significant permanent disability, who always need a companion to provide attendant care type support in order to participate at most available community venues and activities.
  • Hearing Loop - A hearing loop (sometimes called an audio induction loop) is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to 'T' (Telecoil) setting. Many venues have an induction hearing loop system. Check if your venue has this system.
  • Wheelchair Accessible - Access to the venue is suitable for wheelchairs (toilets, ramps/lifts etc.) and designated wheelchair spaces are available.