Way back in July 2012 as Olympic fever was getting under way, here at Whoop ‘n’ Wail we were getting rather excited about the work of Anita Sarkeesian’s Feminist Frequency blog and in particular, her post on the Smurfette Principle – that there is a common tendency for, in this case screen writers, to only include one female character in their principle cast – http://www.feministfrequency.com/2011/04/tropes-vs-women-3-the-smurfette-principle/
As you’ll remember from our post back then (http://wp.me/p2JuqT-n) Ali & Debs were inspired to write My Bloody Laundrette, which was later selected for the 17percent ‘She Writes’ showcase.
And now, in our latest project, Whoop ‘n’ Wail Represents.., we are asking playwrights to go beyond the singular Smurfette by including at least two named female characters, who affect the plot by talking with each other about something other than a man. Inspired by Alison Bechdel’s now famous 1987 comic strip, The Rules, the Bechdel Test has become the benchmark for gauging fair representation on stage and screen.
For Whoop ‘n’ Wail Represents…The Launch, Ali & Debs have invited six wonderful playwrights, some established and some emerging, to kick off this inaugural event by each writing a 15 minute play, on any theme, that passes the Bechdel Test. Six wonderful directors, have been matched to each piece and having cast the roles are, as we speak, busy in rehearsal for the main event.
We are so excited to be returning to Waterloo East Theatre, London and we look forward to seeing you there too.
Whoop ‘n’ Wail Represents..The Launch
Waterloo East Theatre, Brad Street, London, SE1 8TN
Monday 17th & 24th November, 7.30pm
Tickets: £ 8 (£6 concessions)
Whoop ‘n’ Wail Represents.. is produced in association with
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