BWW Previews: WOMEN WHO DEFIED THE ODDS at SB Public Library

In celebration of women's history, Dramadogs, A Theater Company presents Women Who Defied the Odds, a series of monologues that offer the fascinating first-person stories of women from history who helped shape our culture. This production follows in the footsteps of last year's popular From Eve's Fair Hand, a monologue series in the same vein. The featured women from both plays are pulled from author Terre Ouwehand's book,Voices from the Well: Dramatic Portraits of Extraordinary Historical Women. This year, audiences will get to meet Santa Barbara architect Lutah Maria Riggs, whose buildings in the Spanish Revival style can be seen throughout our downtown; the first woman elected to the US congress, Jeanette Rankin; Rachel Carson, a writer and biologist who wrote about the dangers of chemical pesticides, leading to the elimination of DDT usage; Marian Anderson, an African-American singing sensation who made headlines when she was barred from performing in segregated venues; reproductive rights activist Margaret Sanger; and Harriet Tubman, who's work with the underground railroad helped slaves escape to freedom in the north.

Dramadogs has been making concerted efforts to bring women forward on stage. Says director Ken Gilbert, "telling stories through the first-person experience creates a personal connection with the character; rather than hearing about a woman's life, we see, feel, and hear from her point of view. The power of the female voice, when charged with an impassioned life purpose, is extraordinary and must come more forward in our current culture."

E. Bonnie Lewis, who plays Sanger and Riggs, agrees. "Embodying these stories affords the audience with a visceral experience that hopefully ignites their imagination...Women make an impact in so many ways and in so many arenas, not just on the home front. Focusing on our accomplishments and our passions and how the pursuit of them impacts all of us provides a doorway to understanding the fabric of our humanity."

Women Who Defied the Odds is presented in collaboration with the Public Library (Carpinteria and Santa Barbara), and utilizes both projected slides and live music to accompany these women's stories. Gilbert hopes that the intimate moments the audience gets with these woman will inspire them to "embody a life of purpose." Featuring Leslie Gangle Howe and Diva Johnson, Dramadogs presents two performances of Women Who Defied the Odds: Friday, March 8th at the Carpinteria Library, and Sunday March 10th at the Santa Barbara Library. Dramadogs is committed to making theatre accessible, so both performances are free to the public. Live music by Bob Sedivy and Larry Powell.

Dramadogs, A Theater Company presents:
Women Who Defied the Odds
by Terre Ouwehand

Directed by Ken Gilbert

Friday, March 8 (@the Carpinteria Library): 4 pm
Sunday, March 10 (@ the SB public library): 3 pm

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