On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the Humanities, Political Science and Global Studies Department, along with the Performing Arts Department, presented Women+ on the Edge of Democracy, a special one-hour event featuring staged readings as part of a national project exploring the power of women’s voices, civic engagement, and democracy.
Moderated by Dr. Christine Carpino, the program featured four staged readings highlighting the challenges, contributions, and experiences of women within democratic societies. The national initiative brought together participants from more than 39 states, using theatre as a way to spark community conversations, encourage thoughtful listening, and create connections—one community at a time.
Participants could choose from 34 short plays and monologues by some of the most insightful playwrights of our time. Cedar Crest’s selected readings included:
- The Edge of Democracy by Rona Munro, read by Lindsey Hutterer and Olivia Giangrande, exploring the power of voting and bodily autonomy
- Because Who Knows by Deb Margolin, read by Takyra Batz, reflecting on history’s recurring narratives of war and cruelty
- Searching for Elsie Parrish by Heidi Schreck, read by Michelle Rieder, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and never surrendering
- Common Ground by Lauren Gunderson, read by Michelle Rieder, Olivia Giangrande, and Sonny Lemmons, exploring the relationship between self, society, and theatre as a shared space for empathy and understanding
The program concluded with a talkback discussion inviting attendees to reflect on questions about civic engagement and the role individuals can play in a divided society. The conversation underscored the importance of coming together, listening to different perspectives, and engaging with neighbors and community members. Through the power of art and theatre, the event demonstrated how storytelling can open doors to dialogue, build understanding, and remind us of the common ground we share.
Women+ on the Edge of Democracy was initiated by the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. For more information, visit www.democracy.flynnvt.org/.