Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival invites you to war

In 2017, roaring is not enough. The third annual Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival (PWTF) says it’s time for war, and local supporters are needed.

PWTF, which launched in 2015 and returns each summer, headlines its upcoming fest with the help of a new initiative. The Women’s Playwriting Cooperative selects one Philly-based woman playwright for a yearlong development process of a new play, including rehearsals, revisions, and performances, plus all the artistic and practical support needed to premiere the fully produced show in the festival.

The inaugural Playwriting Cooperative recipient is Sarah Galante, who is working with co-composer Jaime Jarrett, director Elaina DiMonaco, and assistant director Kirstie Floyd on the musical Hear Me War. Galante’s show follows an all-female army heading to Washington, D.C. on foot, bent on battling the patriarchy on its own most hallowed turf.

“Hear Me War is reflective of a group of feminists who fear for their safety and livelihood in the dysfunctional political climate,” PWTF says, with particular attention to the inclusion of queer and transgender women and women of color. According to the creators, the story’s epic march occurs “not only to destroy something, but to create something larger than ourselves.”

PWTF audiences and supporters can pitch in to make the production a reality, with the goal of raising $8,000 by June 18. You can check out excerpts of the show in progress on this crowdfunding site.

Watch out for more from BSR this summer as PWTF 2017, running August 2 through 6, gets closer.