Regardless of which political party you align with, you can’t ignore the horrendous state of the country right now. From potential wars to impeachment trials, every morning we’re afraid to turn on the news. If you believe this country is going in the wrong direction and you want to hear various perspectives from women on why, this performance is for you.
Written and directed by Chris Henry, Women On Fire: Stories From the Frontlines is a performance piece where 16 women dramatically perform anonymous letters written from women around the country. Each reading is separated by short dance sequences choreographed by Lorna Ventura. Held at the Royal Family Performing Art Space, the star-studded cast features Maddie Corman, Alysia Reiner, Kathleen Chalfant, Andréa Burns, Gina Naomi Baez, Laila Robins, Constance Shulman, Judy Gold, Julie Halston, Steffanie Leigh, Cynthia Mace, Gargi Mukherjee, Lianah Sta. Ana, and Ashley Williams. If some of these names sound familiar, it’s because you might have seen them on television shows like SVU, Orange is the New Black, Broad City, How I Met Your Mother and various Broadway and off-Broadway plays. The talented dance ensemble includes Samantha Butts, Emily Anne Davis, Erica Misilo, and Mariah Reive.
Hailing from different socioeconomic backgrounds, regions of the country and ethnicities, the authors of the raw, and sometimes even scathing, annonymous letters spoke about sexual assault, race, patriotistm, activism, politics, and even abortion. Some letters reinforced how you might feel about a certain subject, while others were a glimpse into a perspective you maybe haven’t considered. What’s for certain is these anonymous women are opinionated, frustrated and on fire. The show is relevant, intelligent, thought-provoking, sad, and raw. Women on Fire: Stories From the Frontlines will run through March 16th at the Royal Family Art Space. For more information visit RoyalFamilyProductions.org.
