The Everyday Sexism Project, No More Page Three, Austen on banknotes; Feminism, it’s all over the show, eh? Well now the Camden People’s Theatre have literally made it the subject of a three week season of shows. 'Calm Down, Dear – A Festival of Feminism,' which kicks off later this month, seeks to explore what feminism is, and why it’s resurging, through comedy, cabaret, performance and discussion.
Theatre co-directors, Jenny Paton and Brian Logan, claim that 'Calm Down, Dear' was produced as a result of how many feminist themed applications they received for their annual showcase for experimental theatre, Sprint: “That didn’t come out of nowhere: the boom in feminist thought and action has been one of the most heartening features of public life in the last couple of years. Our Calm Down, Dear festival celebrates and channels that. We’re really proud to be hosting some of the most exciting and urgent art to be found at the crest of this feminist new wave.”
Among what looks to be a fantastic programme of events are acts lead by Sabrina Mahfouz, Sarah Pascoe and Edinburgh Comedy award-winner Bridget Christie, as well as depictions of feminist heroes from history, such as Andrea Dworkin and Gertrude Bell. Rosie Wilby brings her brilliant show 'Nineties Woman' – which recounts her personal experiences of nineties feminist culture, Rosana Cade promises “sexual politics on your lap” in 'My Sister Taught Me This Lap Dance', an exploration of the sex industry as seen by Rosana’s Berlin based sister, and in 'Pretty Ugly', performer/researcher Louise Orwin will present her findings on Generation YouTube, and what it’s like for teenage girls to live in a society where your looks are judged by strangers through social networking sites.
Calm Down, Dear starts 23rd October and tickets are £10 for one show or £15 for a double bill. It’s going to be an absolute must, for feminists and comedy lovers alike. For more information click HERE
