Hometown Weekly Reporter
At the Women’s Journey Conference in California in 2010, Dr. Thea Iberall premiered a play that could change America’s views on women in society. Women are no longer the damsels in distress in need of rescue by Prince Charming – and they have not been for a long time.
Proving women’s strength, intelligence, courage, and work ethic throughout history was Dr. Iberall’s musical production, “We Did It For You! Women’s Journey Through History.”
“These stories are not in the history books,” said playwright Dr. Iberall. “It took a lot of research to find out about the birth of this country and the growth of this country. Now it’s a dream of mine to take this play across the country so everyone can see it.”
The equality-advocating play came to Walpole’s United Church on January 13 to tell the stories of more than 20 different women who have made a footprint in history and fought for women’s rights, including Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Sandra Day O’Connor.
Iberall seamlessly incorporated history lessons into the production by introducing a teenage girl named Melanie. To begin the musical, Melanie walks onto the stage, complaining on the phone about a writing assignment with the prompt “Who was the most important woman in history?”
As an aspiring nutritionist, Melanie finds the assignment to be pointless, until dozens of influential women throughout history approach her to tell her about their feats in a sexist society.
While the musical provided a wealth of information, it was also entertaining with its clever dialogue and comedic elements. However, the production reminded the audience that women had to endure very cruel conditions.
Adrienne Williams, playing Sojourner Truth, spoke about the physical and emotional hardships placed on women with her performance of Truth’s speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?”
As Anne Hutchinson, De Springer revealed that it was not uncommon for women to have more than ten children and often saw them die or suffer miscarriages.
The play also featured more modern women, like Billie Jean King and Hillary Clinton, who have helped bring awareness to modern-day feminism. With a slideshow aimed at the top of the stage, the audience could read the names of other women in sports and politics who have taken their place in male-dominated fields.
While the catchy musical numbers and beautifully written dialogue captured the audience’s attention while simultaneously informing them of women’s victories throughout history, the presence of the actresses themselves, who had generously committed their time to the production and its powerful message, also spoke volumes about the strength of modern-day feminism.
“It’s ordinary women who volunteer to dedicate their time to doing this,” said Dr. Iberall, explaining that the production does not hire any professional actors.
“When I retired,” said Williams, “I wanted to do something that had to do with education and with advocacy.”
With such a powerful message for all – no matter their gender – “We Did It For You!” is a must-see production.
