Women Performing

Women Performing

By Melanie Sjoberg

ADELAIDE — Women here have been able to enjoy a variety of cultural forms, by women artists, in a relaxed, smoke-free environment for more than a year now.

"Women Performing", a collective including Jenny Clarke, Mary Heath, Sue Galbraith and Danni Burbrook, kicked off an idea to provide a space for women to develop their talents and test out new ideas for performance in a supportive, women-only atmosphere. Along with the featured performers each month, there are 10-minute floor spots available for women who would like to break themselves in slowly to entertaining in public.

The event has become so popular that Women Performing had the pleasant task of finding a bigger venue. In April, 220 women packed into the Nexus Cabaret Space at the Lions Arts Centre, which is smoke free and wheelchair accessible.

"The Harper and the Bard" fascinated everyone with a performance of traditional medieval storytelling accompanied by the expressive melody of the harp. Special guests from Sydney, Willie and Fleur then captivated the crowd with a variety of blues, harmony and country music.

The next project for Women Performing is to produce a CD of Adelaide women artists. They are currently trying to raise funds, as well as compile lists of women interested in participating. The collective can be contacted c/- Women's Study Resource Centre, 64 Pennington St, North Adelaide.

From GLW issue 101