By Melanie Sjoberg

ADELAIDE -- Trying to pack nearly 300 women into the Irish Hall on Friday, February 18, delayed the start of the second birthday celebrations of Women Performing, a regular cultural event on the alternative scene.

It was well worth the wait. The hall vibrated to folk and blues numbers from Jan Allain and Ilse de Ziah, returned from a European tour. Amazon Women then captured the stage with a dynamic display of acrobatics, juggling and fire swirling. Nude Rain, four young women over from Melbourne for the Fringe Festival, engaged us with their stunning a cappella harmonies.

Women Performing began as a concept to provide a supportive environment for women to develop their creative skills, the confidence to challenge themselves and be taken seriously as professionals. It has now moved venue three times to accommodate the ever-increasing audience.

Performances range across the musical styles, as well as short theatre pieces, comedy, poetry and readings and any other form that women want to experiment with. In addition to the scheduled acts, 10-minute floor spots are available for women who want to try out new ideas, which have often helped provide the impetus for further developing a complete act.

Sue Galbraith, a collective member, told Green Left Weekly, “The concept has really succeeded by encouraging performers to diversify and in providing a community that is involving and owned by women”.

The collective has obtained a grant to help with the production of a CD incorporating many of the performers who have participated in and been encouraged by the Women Performing environment. The launch will be held in June.

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