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The Woman Question, GIRL DOLLS, and the Moore Fashion Show
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, May 7-13, 2026
Kyle V. Hiller
This week, the longest-running independent film festival is back for its 29th year, a new musical takes the stage at FringeArts with GIRL DOLLS, and a father-son story revisits the legacy of Benjamin Franklin. A new exhibition opens at Fairmount Water Works, and Moore College of Art & Design hosts its annual Fashion Show.
The Woman Question
May 6-24
People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern
People’s Light presents a little-known story to its stage, highlighting the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania and the groundbreaking women who studied there in the late 19th century. The new play follows a brave group of students navigating social upheaval, public shaming, systemic barriers, and personal sacrifice as they pursue their calling to become physicians.
Franklinland
May 7-June 7
St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow Street
Lantern Theater Company concludes its season with the Philadelphia premiere of Franklinland, a story of father-son conflict between Benjamin Franklin and his son, who chooses to become the royal governor of New Jersey instead of following in his father’s footsteps into the sciences.
The 2026 Fashion Show at Moore College
Thursday, May 7, 7:30pm
Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street
The next generation of fashion talent in Philadelphia is showcased at Moore College of Art & Design’s 2026 Fashion Show. Featuring designs by the fashion design program’s seniors, the evening provides a professional, high-visibility platform to share the students’ work.
FirstGlance Film Festival
May 8-10
Film Society Bourse, 400 Ranstead Street
This independent film festival celebrates its 29th year, with a lineup of over 40 new independent films by professional, emerging, and student filmmakers from around the world.
GIRL DOLLS: The American Musical
May 9-17
FringeArts, 140 North Columbus Boulevard
Created and performed by Philadelphia performing artists Jackie Soro and Pax Ressler, with direction by MK Tuomanen and in collaboration with the Bearded Ladies Cabaret, this original musical blends satire, cultural research, and 90s nostalgia. Take a deep dive into our country’s favorite doll franchise in search of the stories that got left out of the dollhouse.
The Chaplain & The Doctor
May 9
Landmark Ritz 5, 214 Walnut Street
A new documentary touring screens around the country comes to Philly this weekend, telling the story of an unlikely partnership between 80-year-old African American chaplain Betty Clark and white Jewish physician Jessica Zitter in an Oakland trauma hospital. A Q&A with the filmmakers follows the screening.
CURRENTS
May 9-August 8, 2026
Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Waterworks Drive, Philadelphia
This exhibition sees ten local artists exploring the hidden mysteries of the raw architecture and corridors beneath the Fairmount Water Works, a national historic landmark.
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