Reflections Of Women In The Era Of Me Too

Towne Street Theatre Presents IN RESPONSE:  Year of the Woman (Still)

March 15, 2019 – LOS ANGELES, CA. – – – In its 26th year, Towne Street Theatre, Los Angeles’ premiere African American theatre company, continues to produce work that is relevant and reflects the state of the union, whatever that state may be.  TST’s latest production,  “IN RESPONSE:  Year of the Woman . . . Still,” is a collection of dramatic, humorous and thought-provoking scenes, monologues, poetry and dance that explore the experiences of women, both past and present, including the current era #MeToo movement.

“As artists, we feel compelled to respond when there is political or human injustice that affects us and our community deeply,” said TST Artistic Director and co-founder Cheryl Davis. 

Year of the Woman . . . Still is TST’s second installment of the IN RESPONSE: Year of the Woman series. The first production premiered in the fall of 2018.  Over one hundred scenes were submitted for consideration and the production team settled on nineteen works from nine multi-cultural female playwrights ranging in age from 29 to 65.     

For the latest production of IN RESPONSE: Year of the Woman. . . Still, Davis and TST co-founders Nancy Renee revised and enhanced material from the original production.

“We felt that, if anything, the material was more relevant than it was in the original production and that in the present climate, it is still year of the woman and will continue to be for some time.” 

Renee said the goal was to present a cross section of issues that affect all women.   “A big part of the selection process was to show the commonality and the universality of the issues that women deal with.”

Davis and Renee directed the entire production which is comprised of a full spectrum of subjects, including relationships, romance, infidelity, pregnancy, motherhood, politics, and growing older.

“It’s not all one thing.  The scenes mirrors the complexity of being a woman,” Davis noted.

Actress and Playwright Starina Johnson wrote several of the scenes that are in IN RESPONSE:  Year of the Woman. . . Still.  Johnson feels that the country is at a critical juncture and it’s important to hear the voices of women and consider how individuals affect each other. 

“A lot of times people don’t realize how things really are for another person who is outside of their demographic,” Johnson said.  “My hope is that seeing IN RESPONSE will be a bit of an eye opener for them.”

Renee, who directed many of Johnson’s works agreed.  “Even if it doesn’t pertain to you, specifically, it makes you think and has the power to make you more empathic,” she said.  “That’s the biggest thing that this piece and theatre in general can do.  It awakens your mind.” 

Performances for IN RESPONSE:  Year of the Woman . . . Still are April 6 through April 28, Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 4:00 p.m. at the Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. There will be a preview performance on Thursday, April 4, at 8:00 p.m.   A talkback session follow each Sunday matinees.  For tickets, visit:  tstyearofthewomanstill.eventbrite.com.

For more information, visit townestreetla.org or call (213)712-6944.