GAN-e-meed Theatre Project Presents BOOBFEST And TIES THAT BIND

GAN-?-meed Theatre Project kicks off its inaugural 2010 season with two one-night events in February: Ties that Bind, three short plays about women and their families; and BOOBFest: Bringing On-Stage Opportunities to Babes, a variety show celebration for the benefit of female artists. Both events showcase the work of local Boston performing artists, primarily women, as part of GAN-?-meed's mission of advancing the role of women in theatre.

"BOOBFest includes several truly amazing acts into one fun evening. Even better, there's a great spirit of building community and coming together for The Common good, because GAN-?-meed is doing such important work for our local theatre community" says Jen Alison Lewis, PR Associate for Gan-?-meed, as well as co-producer of and a performer in BOOBFest.

Ties that Bind is presented as part of Whistler in the Dark's Second Act series. Theatre-goers can make a day of it by purchasing a ticket to One Flea Spare at 3pm, produced by Whistler in the Dark (www.whistlerinthedark.com), and staying for Ties That Bind. Audiences are also welcome to attend only Ties That Bind which begins at 6pm and is free. It includes:

- Ma in her Kerchief explores the unusual and compassionate relationship between a young woman and her new mother-in-law. Written by local playwright, Janet Kenney, and directed by Jackie Davis of New Urban Theatre Lab.

- My Sister is an Actress weaves its way through one teenager's life and her relationship with her sister. Written by Debbie Finkelstein and directed by Krista D'agostino of Holland Productions.

- As Yet Untitled takes a hard look at one woman's unexpected discovery and what it means to her familial ties. Written by Dawn Simmons of New Exhibition Room and directed by Rebecca Webber who will be playing Horatio in GAN-?-meed's Hamlet (May 2010).

BOOBFest is a one-night event that will showcase (mostly female) Boston artists and raise funds for GAN-?-meed projects dedicated to advancing the role of women in theatre. Hosted by the Legendary 86-years-young Mary Dolan, BOOBFest promises performances to make audiences laugh, scream, and feel- but mostly laugh. Performers include: comedy with the legendary 86-years-young Mary Dolan; vocal stylings of Tony-nominated Maureen Brennan; short comedic play Lemonade by Ginger Lazarus, featuring Jen Alison Lewis; stage violence featuring Angie Jepson and Hannah Husband; sketch comedy with Margaret Ann Brady and Dorothy Dwyer of The Mrs. Potatohead Show; original modern dance by Kelley Donovan; dangerous burlesque with UnAmerika's Sweetheart Karin Webb; and more yet to be announced.

Ticket sales from BOOBFest will fund Gan-?-meed's future productions and outreach activities. Gan-?-meed hosts a monthly Happy Hour for Women in Theatre, and their supporters, on the first Monday of every month (next event: March 1, 5:30-8:30, Cambridge Common restaurant). These events provide a regular time for artists to make connections, create moments of collaboration, discuss gender challenges and brainstorm proactive change within the community. Hamlet, Gan-?-meed's first full production, features an all-female cast and opens in May, first playing in Lowell at Gallery 119 and then moving to The Armory Center for the Arts in Somerville.

"Everyone knows that making a career as an actor is tough, but I don't think most people realize how much harder it is for a woman, due to the dramatic lack of roles for women. It's past time that female artists challenge the gender bias that exists on theatre stages- locally as well as nationally. Gan-e-meed and BOOBFest are finally addressing this unspoken issue" says Lewis. Erin Scanlon, Gan-?-meed's board chair and co-producer of BOOBFest, continues "To me, the most important aspect of GAN-e-meed is that it's not about ‘no boys allowed.' It is about promoting dialogue and action that will bring women closer to an equal status in the Theatre World."

GAN-?-meed Theatre Project was founded in 2009 to advance the role of women in theatre: the experienced and novice, young and old, artist and leader. To accomplish this, their seasons are created from shows proposed by female artists (actress, stage manager, designer, playwright, or director), and they promote the study of and visibility of gender bias within the theatre community. GAN-e-meed Theatre Project hopes to be the catalyst to establishing gender equity in New England theatre. For additional information about these or other GAN-?-meed events or to join the mailing, see www.ganemeed.org.

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