Episode 7
Straddling Lines
In a quiet dining room in Surry Hills, a brave woman shared the chilling story of her childhood, marked by a decade of abuse from her stepfather, ominously called the "rock spider." Under the guise of love, he ensnared her in manipulation and pain. Despite societal disbelief and her mother's denial, the unwavering support from her grandmother, her guardian angel, offered her strength. Determined to break free, she sought justice and exposed him in court, where his facade crumbled. Though his sentence was short, the public acknowledgment empowered her. Her story highlighted the insidious nature of abuse and her journey towards healing, aided by the love of her grandmother and her own children. These relationships taught her self-love and acceptance, crucial in breaking the cycle of abuse. By sharing her narrative, she sought to shed light on the complexities of abuse, offering hope and encouraging collective action against such injustices. Her journey underscored resilience and the transformative power of self-acceptance, revealing that love could heal even the deepest wounds. Her powerful message was clear: self-love is vital in ending the cycle of abuse, proving that her story is not just one of survival, but of thriving against adversity.
Narrator: Paul Capsis
Paul Capsis - SINGER | ACTOR
Paul Capsis is one of Australia’s most versatile performers. His extensive career has included theatre, live concerts, cabaret, television, and film. Paul has worked with many leading Australian theatre companies (STC, MTC, Malthouse Theatre, STCSA, and Company B Belvoir) and has performed in Vienna, Valletta, Hong Kong, London, Edinburgh, and New York. In 2021, Paul was able to perform in two original works at Sydney Festival: The Last Season for Force Majeure; and Rapture: a Song Cycle of Desire, Ecstasy, Murder and Mayhem directed by Michael Kantor and co-starring iOTA.
Paul’s film credits include Ana Kokkinos’ 1998 film Head On which won him the 1998 Film Critics Circle Awards for Best Supporting Actor and a nomination for an AFI Award in the same category. Other film credits include Love is Now, Carlotta, The Boy Castaways, and Justin Kurzel’s The True History Of The Kelly Gang.
Paul’s other awards include the 2021 Adelaide Cabaret Festival Icon Award, the 2004 Green Room Award Best Cabaret Artiste, and the 2002 Helpmann Award for Best Live Musical Presentation for Capsis vs Capsis at the Sydney Opera House.