Over the years, Emerson’s participation in HERstory month has grown significantly larger and more diverse, according to Sara Sheckells, director of Student Activities.,They say there are two sides to every story, and this month the Emerson community is celebrating HERstory in honor of National Women’s History Month.
Over the years, Emerson’s participation in HERstory month has grown significantly larger and more diverse, according to Sara Sheckells, director of Student Activities.
“I’m incredibly proud of the entire planning committee and their efforts to offer such a varied programming series,” said Sheckells. “It truly shows that the college community has a vested interest in learning about gender issues.”
More than a dozen HERstory month events remain from now through the beginning of April. “All members of the college community [men, women, faculty, staff, and administrators] are welcome to attend and be a part of these events,” said Sheckells.
The Cutler Majestic Theatre welcomes Eve Ensler, creator of “The Vagina Monologues,” back to Boston for her latest one-woman show, “The Good Body,” playing now through March 26.
Tickets are $35 to $65.
For a kind of spiritual tea party, check out “Women of Faith: Film and Tea,” sponsored by the Center for Spiritual Life and Kappa Gamma Chi. It will be held on March 28 at 2 p.m. in Annex Room one on the 10th floor of the Walker Building.
While enjoying refreshments, students will watch scenes from movies such as Joan of Arc and Yentl and discuss the representation of religious women.
On March 30, the Center for Health and Wellness is sponsoring “Inside the Artist’s Studio” with Boston-based artist Catherine McCarthy.
In 1999, McCarthy won the Maude Morgan Award, given annually by the Museum of Fine Arts to female artists from Massachusetts. The reception is from 7 to 9 p.m. at 791 Tremont St., and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Space is limited, so e-mail [email protected] for reservations.
From March 30 to April 1, see “Honk!,” a musical comedy based on the classic children’s story “The Ugly Duckling.”
Tickets are only $5 for Emerson students, and a portion of the proceeds go to Julie’s Family Learning Program, an organization that provides job training, parenting, life skills and other educational opportunities for underprivileged mothers and their children. “Honk!” is playing at the Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center at 85 West Newton St. in the South End.
In addition to these HERstory month events, Kappa Gamma Chi is sponsoring several activities as part of “Take Back the Night,” an internationally recognized program designed to promote awareness of violence towards women.
According to Rebecca Blacker, a senior writing, literature and publishing major and president of Kappa Gamma Chi, the sorority has been supporting “Take Back the Night” since 1997.
“This year, we have changed it a bit and incorporated more interactive and entertainment options for the Emerson community,” said Blacker. “We think it will draw more attendance.”
“Take Back the Night” events start March 26 with a performance festival at 8 p.m. in the Cabaret, co-sponsored by Rareworks and Women’s Voices of Emerson. The festival is a chance for Emerson’s female performers to showcase original pieces and personal stories.
“It’s hard to make the time for your own work outside of demanding classes,” said Mallory Hanora, a junior WLP major and organizer for Women’s Voices. “It’s not often on campus where individuals are able to perform without the support of an ensemble, organization or cast.”
Hanora added that HERstory month is a time to encourage women to tell their stories. “People can respond and say, ‘I’ve been through that!'” said Hanora. “If they haven’t shared your experiences, you are shining light on something they maybe haven’t looked at before.”
For a change of pace, check out the Sex and the City marathon at 9 p.m. on March 29 in the Little Building dining hall.
“It adds a light-hearted feel to an otherwise very emotional weekend,” said Blacker. “And it’s a popular show, so it will draw a crowd.”
Another part of “Take Back the Night” is a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) self-defense class on March 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Fitness Center. The class, taught by Emerson College Public Safety Officer Jacqueline Michalowski, will show students how to protect themselves when faced with dangerous situations.
Finally, the Global Women’s Issues discussion panel will discuss the many ways students can help “take back the night” in their own communities.
On April 1 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Emerson Room, several Emerson professors will speak about the international problems facing women’s rights and what individuals can do to make a difference.
“When I was a student, I often had to take it upon myself to learn about women who made significant strides towards changing the world we live in,” said Sheckells. “We’re collectively not exposed to the stories of those women who labored and continue to work beside men to impact and influence a countless number of global issues and nationwide interests.”
For a complete list of HERstory Month events, check out emerson.edu/student_life.