ASSisted Seduction

About

By Naomi Moylan-Torke and Ahsan Kazmi
Directed by Gillian Saker

Amber is broke. Sandy is dying. Both want something from the other, but neither will give an inch. Assisted Seduction is a razor-sharp two-hander that brings together biting humour, power struggles, and the complex question of autonomywho really controls the end of the story?

Sandy, a former Playboy Bunny in the grips of a degenerative disease, is determined to orchestrate her final exit on her terms. Her niece Amber, a self-proclaimed hustler trying to survive in the gig economy, has made questionable decisions and is facing financial desperation. When Sandy makes an outrageous request, Amber finds herself in an impossible dilemma, caught between guilt, self-interest, and the murky waters of moral compromise.

As the two women battle for control, using manipulation, wit, and vulnerability, Assisted
Seduction delves into the intersection of gender and survival. It explores how women, in particular, are often forced to play the game of life, sometimes bending the rules, sometimes rewriting them altogether.

Through dark comedy, the play asks: How far are people willing to go when faced with the ultimate decision of life and death?
'ASSisted Seduction' is a searing exploration of control, autonomy, and how far people will go to avoid being powerless. It asks: when all youve ever had is your ability to charm, seduce, or manipulatewhat happens when that power fades? And when youve spent your life feeling unseen, how much are you willing to sacrifice to be noticed?

Meet the Team

Naomi Moylan-Torke Writer
Naomi Moylan-Torke is a London-born writer and activist whose work explores themes of class, intersectionality, and identity. She has worked with National Youth Theatre, Soho Theatre, Royal Opera, and Ballet. Her recent credits include Fix Your Mind (Director, Edinburgh Fringe 2024 \*\*\*\*\*), The White RoseThe Musical, Afters: This is not a Party, and Where Are You On The Kinsey Scale?

KTW Theatre
60 mins
16+

Ahsan Kazmi Writer
A northern-born, midlands-based writer, Ahsan Kazmi creates stories that shed light on overlooked individuals and the darker sides of society. His work includes writing for the UN General Assembly, international development organisations, and charities. A finalist in the BBC Writers' Competition for BAME writers, Ahsan holds an MA in Scriptwriting.

Content Warning:
Mental Illness
Sexual Abuse
Suicide/Self Harm
Strong Language
Depictions or References to Violence
Euthanasia, manipulation, depictions of sex workers, misogyny, fatphobia

Gillian Saker Director
Gillian Saker is a London-based actor, writer, and director with a career that spans stage and screen on both sides of the Atlantic. She trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, beginning her career at the Royal Court. Her stage credits include The River (Royal Court), tick, tick Boom! (Park Theatre), and Othello. She is best known on TV for her series regular role in Ripper Street and roles in Misfits, Silent Witness, Endeavour, and Apple TV+'s upcoming Dope Sick. She has also worked as a comedy script development producer for Emmy Award-winning producer Marci Klein