Reviews:

From TimeOutNY:http://newyork.timeout.com/events/fringe-festival/298096/girlpower
From TDF:http://pxpplog.blogspot.com/2009/08/girlpower-voices-of-generation.html

Yay!

Ways to make a difference (after GirlPower is over)...

For the back of our program. Feel free to add anything you think we may have forgotten...

WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

· Organize a school dance or event at a local community center where the proceeds will go to an organization that works to empower women and young girls…
· Have an "Anti-Violence Day" at your school and invite local groups to set up tables out front and share information…
· Have a "Shoot Hoops to End Violence" drive…
· Design and designate a Rape Free Zone in your high school…
· Start a flower selling campaign and give the proceeds to a local 501(c)3 organization that works on women’s issues…
· Have a Q&A Day that will create an opportunity for an open forum between girls and boys…
· Organize a 'Take Back the Night" at your high school/college or in your town…
· Work with your school and/or local librarian to create a section for women authors…
· Contact your local women's shelters to ask what they most need and then have a donations drive…
· Add an inspiring women's quote to your email signature…
· Volunteer for 1 hour a week at a local shelter or with an organization that you feel passionate about…
· Organize a "Take Your Daughter/Mother/Sister/Grandmother to Self Defense Class" group…
· Start a monthly "Movie Night In" with your friends to watch movies about women leaders. Hold a discussion after the film…
· Organize an 'Envisioning Group' in your area to brainstorm about how your world would be different if there was no violence…
· Find women who are exploring ways to combat racism, and form or join an antiracist group…
· Support magazines that show women of all colors, sizes, shapes, and abilities-- real women as we know them, not airbrushed, white-looking, thin models…
· Take a course or attend a lecture on race and gender studies, disability issues, women's body image, or the psychology of women to understand the complex dynamics of body image in our culture…
· Write a letter to a TV station or magazine or clothing store that shows positive (or negative) images of women of color, and let them know what you think…
· Read whatever you can find on race and body size issues that support self- acceptance instead of trying to make your body conform to any "ideal.'' Discuss with others these ideas and how to put them into daily practice in your own life…
· Plan together how to challenge ourselves and others when we judge women on the basis of skin color and appearance…
· Form or join a group or organization that promotes self-acceptance and self-love for all our sizes and in all our diversity…
· Learn more about how our bodies work, through self-help sessions and/or discussion…

Guardian Article

Someone sent this to me this morning. Think you will enjoy it...

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The words of God do not justify cruelty to women

Discrimination and abuse wrongly backed by doctrine are damaging society, argues the former US president

"Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status ..." (Article 2, Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

I have been a practising Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world.

So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when th e convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service. This was in conflict with my belief - confirmed in the holy scriptures - that we are all equal in the eyes of God.

This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. It is widespread. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths.

Nor, tragically, does its influence stop at the walls of the church, mosque, synagogue or temple. This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women's equal rights across the world for centuries. The male interpretations of religious texts and the way they interact with, and reinforce, traditional practices justify some of the most pervasive, persistent, flagrant and damaging examples of human rights abuses.

At their most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities.

The impact of these religious beliefs touches every aspect of our lives. They help explain why in many countries boys are educated before girls; why girls are told when and whom they must marry; and why many face enormous and unacceptable risks in pregnancy and childbirth because their basic health needs are not met.

In some Islamic nations, women are restricted in their movements, punished for permitting the exposure of an arm or ankle, deprived of education, prohibited from driving a car or competing with men for a job. If a woman is raped, she is often most severely punished as the guilty party in the crime.

The same discriminatory thinking lies behind the continuing gender gap in pay and why there are still so few women in office in Britain and the United States. The root of this prejudice lies deep in our histories, but its impact is felt every day. It is not women and girls alone who suffer. It damages all of us. The evidence shows that investing in women and girls delivers major benefits for everyone in society. An educated woman has healthier children. She is more likely to send them to school. She earns more and invests what she earns in her family.

It is simply self-defeating for any community to discriminate against half its population. We need to challenge these self-serving and out-dated attitudes and practices - as we are seeing in Iran where women are at the forefront of the battle for democracy and freedom.

I understand, however, why many political leaders can be reluctant about stepping into this minefield. Religion, and tradition, are powerful and sensitive area to challenge.

But my fellow Elders and I, who come from many faiths and backgrounds, no longer need to worry about winning votes or avoiding controversy - and we are deeply committed to challenging injustice wherever we see it.

The Elders have decided to draw particular attention to the responsibility of religious and traditional leaders in ensuring equality and human rights. We have recently published a statement that declares: "The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable."

We are calling on all leaders to challenge and change the harmful teachings and practices, no matter how ingrained, which justify discrimination against women. We ask, in particular, that leaders of all religions have the courage to acknowledge and emphasise the positive messages of dignity and equality that all the world's major faiths share.

Although not having training in religion or theology, I understand that the carefully selected verses found in the holy scriptures to justify the superiority of men owe more to time and place - and the determination of male leaders to hold onto their influence - than eternal truths. Similar Biblical excerpts could be found to support the approval of slavery and the timid acquiescence to oppressive rulers.

At the same time, I am also familiar with vivid descriptions in the same scriptures in which women are revered as pre-eminent leaders. During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets. It wasn't until the fourth century that dominant Christian leaders, all men, twisted and distorted holy scriptures to perpetuate their ascendant positions within the religious hierarchy.

I know, too, that Billy Graham, one of the most widely respected and revered Christians during my lifetime, did not understand why women were prevented from being priests and preachers. He said: "Women preach all over the world. It doesn't bother me from my study of the scriptures."

The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter.

Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views.

• Jimmy Carter was US president from 1977-81. The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.

• guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media Limited 2009

Check out: The fbomb blog

Hey Gang!

If you get the chance, check out an awesome blog (by and for teen girls) called the fbomb. http://thefbomb.org/ . Julie, the founder has been kind enough to post some information about our show. Her blog touches on many of the issues that we discuss in the show and regularly in rehearsals.

http://thefbomb.org/2009/07/girlpower-voices-of-a-generation/

The Official FringeNYC Press Release:

The Manhattan Theatre Source Presents:
GIRLPOWER: VOICES OF A GENERATION
Created and Performed by the 2008-2009 GirlPower Performance Collective
Directed by Ashley Marinaccio and Elizabeth Koke

The New York International Fringe Festival – FringeNYC
A production of The Present Company
MON 8/17 at 7pm (Talkback 8:30-9:15), THUR 8/20 at 9:30pm , FRI 8/21 at 3:15pm,
SUN 8/23 at 5:00 pm, MON 8/24 at 5:00pm
Tickets: $15
For tickets and venue information visit www.FringeNYC.org

“We are the girls of the future. Listen to our cry. Listen to the things that make us mad, upset and happy. Don't take us for granted. Don't think that we don't understand the world. We are GirlPower! Walk away with the knowledge we give you. Walk away with our problems. Walk away with the solution. Walk away with the feeling of hope. Walk away with life. But mostly, walk away knowing you have Girl Power!”- Lauren Marie Curet, age 13, 2008-2009 GirlPower Collective Member

The Manhattan Theatre Source is proud to present GirlPower: Voices of a Generation as part of the 13th annual New York International Fringe Festival – FringeNYC. The New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) is the largest multi-arts festival in North America, with more than 200 companies from all over the world performing for 16 days in more than 20 venues.

Bold. Smart. Fresh. For teens, by teens. GirlPower: Voices of a Generation is an empowering, ensemble-driven collection of words written and performed by teenagers, struggling with issues they face growing up in today's world. Through monologues and spoken word, the young women share their perspectives on love, relationships, the future, creating social change and finding power through theatre. Audiences can expect to walk away with a renewed sense of their own empowerment, regardless of their age and gender. Not only does the cast of GirlPower discuss the problems plaguing their generation, but they present audiences with solutions and ideas for action that can start upon leaving the theatre.

The show features a diverse ensemble of teenage girls from the tri-state area and includes: Anastasia Zorin (Manhattan), Dominique Fishback (Brooklyn), Alexis Molnar (New Jersey), Lauren Curet (Queens), Michelle Lee (Bronx), Christina Perry (Manhattan), Andrea Panichi (New Jersey), Roni Laytin (Long Island), Candice Fernandez (New Jersey), Lyric Anderson (New Jersey), Alexa Winston (Manhattan), Amber Rhabb (Queens), Kezia Tyson (Queens), Alondra Diaz (Bronx) and Kaitlin Marie Hernandez (Brooklyn). It is directed by Ashley Marinaccio and Elizabeth Koke.

GirlPower: Voices of a Generation is part of the Manhattan Theatre Source’s five week long Estrogenius Festival. Shining the spotlight on women’s creativity, the Estrogenius Festival offers a dynamic line-up of performances theatre, dance, music, solo shows and visual art. Since its inception in 2000, The Estrogenius Festival has grown into a premier showcase for the diversity of women’s artistic voices, right in the center of the downtown New York theatre scene. 2009 marks the tenth anniversary of the Estrogenius Festival. More information about GirlPower: Voices of a Generation and the Estrogenius Festival can be found on the Manhattan Theatre Source’s website http://www.theatresource.org/estro/.

The Facebook Invite!

Here is the official GirlPower Facebook Invite:

Share it with all of your friends!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=102174901485&ref=nf

We're Back!

The GirlPower blog is back! Follow our journey to the 2009 NYC Fringe Festival by checking in here each week. New pictures, writings and articles will be added regularly.

Black Girl Ugly

I have heard nothing short of wonderful things about this piece. If you are in the area, please go see it! Black Girl Ugly touches on many of the issues that we talk about in our workshops each week.

Black Girl Ugly

Featuring Ashley Brockington, Lee Avant & Nicole Cain

June 11th through June 27th , 2009

Weekends only: Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8pm WOW Café Theater, 59-61 East 4th St. Between Bowery & 2nd Ave, 4th Floor F train to Second Ave.

Tickets $10 at the door blackgirlugly@gmail.com; For Reservations: 718-419-1094

It ain't easy comin' up Black not to mention female, in these so-called United States. Have you ever considered how difficult it is to cultivate a healthy self-image growing up surrounded by the superficial din of white media? In Black Girl Ugly Ashley Brockington, Lee Avant & Nicole Cain take you into the collective subconscious of Black Girls trying to hold fast to their love of self. Through movement, poetry and song they contrast growing up surrounded by the "truth" of white girl beauty while living in the reality of Black Girl Ugly. True to their legacy these artists offer no clean endings in this story of black girl victory. The contra-fictions linger and always will. http://www.wowcafe.org/blackgirlugly/

Open Letter to President-Elect Obama

Open Letter to President-Elect Barack Obama

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eve-ensler-kavita-ramdas-and-zainab-salbi/open-letter-to-president_b_157705.html

On December 5, 2008, a few days before the 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a group of global and domestic women's organizations gathered in New York to frame a shared agenda for advancing global women's rights. Determined to use their collective strength and expertise to work together to advance a global agenda for women's freedom, safety and agency, they crafted the following open letter to President-elect Obama and committed to working together to see their vision come true in this century.

Dear President-Elect Obama,

As a group of women leaders who have given our lives to the transformation, protection and empowerment of women in the United States and globally, we want to begin by congratulating you. We are honored and proud to have you lead the nation during this historic time. We also welcome your call to action, reminding us of what we have always known -- that as global citizens we cannot solely rely on any one administration's ability to bring about change, but must be steadfast in pushing forward our own vision and agendas.

We represent a historic movement for change: millions of women across the globe with innovative ideas, influential constituencies and collaborative solutions. We are calling on you to ensure that women are equally represented in everything, from your administration's infrastructure to its decision-making and solution building. We are calling on you to exercise leadership in dismantling the structures that perpetuate gender inequality, impede women's full participation in society and thwart real progress for people around the world.

As war rages in Gaza, it is clear that the time has come to dismantle militarism as the dominant ideology in world politics. We must ensure that women take the lead in building lasting peace in the Middle East, ending genocide in Darfur, stopping femicide in the Democratic Republic of Congo, fighting the War on Terror in Afghanistan, and ending the war in Iraq.

Though the select-few women who hold leadership positions in this country's political system inspire us; women represent more than 50% of the population and deserve more than marginal representation. We believe that in order for your vision of change to succeed, women must be in positions of power. While US women gained the right to vote 100 years ago, to date only 14% of the US Congress are women. This must change.

The major economic, security, governance and environmental challenges of our times cannot be solved without the equal participation of women at all levels of society -- from the home to institutions of national and global governance. Women's voices must be central in all major discussions including the economic crisis, overhauling our education system. Long-term investments in women's education, health and leadership development are equally critical. Economic structures continue to marginalize women. Consider this: women represent two-thirds of the world's labor yet we own less than 1% of the world's assets.

In addition, more than 500,000 women die each year because of inadequate medical and reproductive care. Violence against women is a pandemic that determines women's realities, impeding their access to education and economic self-sufficiency. This global epidemic is undermining the future of the world, as women are at the heart of all communities and families; we literally carry the future in our bodies.

Yet these are not "women's issues." In fact, such investments are vital to economic growth and the well-being of all individuals, communities, societies and nations. Consider India's economic transformation of the past 15 years: The World Bank finds that states with the highest percentage of women in the labor force grew the fastest and had the largest reductions in poverty.

As policy makers, activists, researchers, and grant-makers we have spent our lives investing in women and know that these kinds of investments have immeasurable and fundamental impact for the better. Worldwide, women are uniquely positioned to bring innovative insights and creative solutions to global leadership forums. If we hope to improve existing economic, peace and security, and human development frameworks women must not only be included, but must be at the heart of the discussion.

We are calling on you to be the President who ushers in the time of women. Our vision of the future is one in which women and men are equal partners, standing shoulder to shoulder in confronting the world's challenges. We welcome, with hope and anticipation, your shared commitment to this vision.

We represent more than half of the world's human potential. And our time has come.

Sincerely,

Linda Basch, PhD
President, National Council for Research on Women

Mallika Dutt
Executive Director, Breakthrough: Building Human Rights Culture

Eve Ensler
Founder, V-Day

Adrienne Germain
President, International Women's Health Coalition

Sara Gould
CEO, Ms. Foundation

Christine Grumm
CEO, Women's Funding Network

Geeta Rao Gupta
President, International Center for Research on Women

Carolyn Makinson
Executive Director, Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children

Kavita Ramdas
CEO, Global Fund for Women

Zainab Salbi
President, Women for Women International