New Hampshire Theatre Project Presents World Premiere of SHE WILL LEAD: WOMEN IN POLITICS

"I would like to speak about a serious national condition. It is a national feeling of fear and frustration that could result in national suicide and the end of everything that we Americans hold dear. It is a condition that comes from the lack of effective leadership in either the Legislative Branch or the Executive Branch of our Government."

A direct quote from the 2016 campaign? Margaret Chase Smith spoke these words when she ran for President on the Republican platform in 1964. More than 50 years later, her words ring more true than ever. New Hampshire Theatre Project kicks off their new season with She Will Lead, a multi-media work created by emerging artist Catherine Stewart that uses archival footage and text to explore the history of women in American politics, and the current disillusionment of millennial voters. Candidate Victoria Woodhull from 1870 and Shirley Chisholm from 1972 join Margaret Chase Smith in visiting an apathetic contemporary citizen who refuses to vote.

"This election campaign has been infuriating, terrifying, and hateful," says creator Catherine Stewart. "I needed to create something to combat the fear and divisiveness. She Will Lead is an attempt at an antidote to the current atmosphere in politics; it's a conversation starter for people who are fed-up with the way politics is discussed, portrayed in the media, and carried out in Washington - and a reminder of why we need to hold true democracy so dearly."

Following each performance of She Will Lead, audience members will be invited to join in a facilitated discussion with the director, performers Dominque Salvacion and Jordan Formicelli, and a variety of different guest speakers. Guests include Crystal Paradis, who has recently been working to recruit voters for the Democratic party, and teen activist Ella McGrail, who will speak about the "How Tomorrow Votes" campaign.