Women & Violence
Tuesday May 4th - 6:30pm
Royal Canadian Legion Pleasantville Branch 56, 66 The Boulevard, St. John's
Free in-person admission by pre-registration
Also streaming via Facebook Live
In homage to the original Ladies' Reading Room that was founded as a haven for women's opinions, the Ladies' Reading Room evenings will be held on the first Tuesday of each month from May-November 2021.
Each month features a theme that was relevant to the struggle for women's rights in both 1921 and 2021. For our May evening, the theme is Women & Violence.
The event will happen live and free of admission charge for registered guests, who may register to attend on a first-come, first served basis. Parking is also free.
The evening begins in 1921 with a new short play inspired by the evening's theme:
HUSH
Written by Erika Squires
Directed by Natalia Hennelly
Costume designed by Vanessa Cardoso Whelan
Performed by Heather Phillipps
We jump forward in time to 2021 with a live panel discussion on the evening's theme:
Women & Violence - a 2021 Panel Discussion
Moderated by Dr. Heidi Coombs, with guest speakers
Tea will served in both period-appropriate and environmentally-sustainable china cups to all.
Important COVID-19 Info:
These events will be run in strict adherence to public health guidelines and regulations. The venue is large and well-ventilated. Audience members will be grouped in bubbles at tables that maintain social distancing. Masks may only be removed while seated.
Accessibility:
This second floor venue is accessible via an exterior ramp up to the side entrance of the Legion Ballroom, which is located on the second floor. Please connect with us at [email protected] or 709-743-7287 to advise if you would like to utilize the ramp and/or if you require any assistance.
Each month features a theme that was relevant to the struggle for women's rights in both 1921 and 2021. For our May evening, the theme is Women & Violence.
The event will happen live and free of admission charge for registered guests, who may register to attend on a first-come, first served basis. Parking is also free.
The evening begins in 1921 with a new short play inspired by the evening's theme:
HUSH
Written by Erika Squires
Directed by Natalia Hennelly
Costume designed by Vanessa Cardoso Whelan
Performed by Heather Phillipps
We jump forward in time to 2021 with a live panel discussion on the evening's theme:
Women & Violence - a 2021 Panel Discussion
Moderated by Dr. Heidi Coombs, with guest speakers
- Sandra McKellar, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis Prevention Centre;
- Sergeant Chelsey Guinchard, Supervisor for the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit of the Criminal Investigation division
- Angie Brenton, Child & Family Services Coordinator for Iris Kirby House
Tea will served in both period-appropriate and environmentally-sustainable china cups to all.
Important COVID-19 Info:
These events will be run in strict adherence to public health guidelines and regulations. The venue is large and well-ventilated. Audience members will be grouped in bubbles at tables that maintain social distancing. Masks may only be removed while seated.
Accessibility:
This second floor venue is accessible via an exterior ramp up to the side entrance of the Legion Ballroom, which is located on the second floor. Please connect with us at [email protected] or 709-743-7287 to advise if you would like to utilize the ramp and/or if you require any assistance.
Production Community
Production Manager - Mara Bredovskis
Mara has been with PerSIStence since near the beginning and is super thrilled to be a continued part of the organization. She is often be found hiding in booths and backstages around town. She has worked as a production manager and stage manager (thankfully rarely at the same time) for companies such as Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland, Perchance Theatre, Opera on the Avalon, Resource Centre for the Arts Theatre, White Rooster Theatre, Wonderbolt Circus, Theatre St. John's, and many others.
Mara has been with PerSIStence since near the beginning and is super thrilled to be a continued part of the organization. She is often be found hiding in booths and backstages around town. She has worked as a production manager and stage manager (thankfully rarely at the same time) for companies such as Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland, Perchance Theatre, Opera on the Avalon, Resource Centre for the Arts Theatre, White Rooster Theatre, Wonderbolt Circus, Theatre St. John's, and many others.
Costume Designer - Vanessa Cardoso Whelan
Vanessa Cardoso-Whelan is a playwright, multidisciplinary artist, street performer, and clown hailing from Brazil, with a passion for contemporary theatre and body movement awareness, especially related to Flamenco dancing. Graduating in Theatre Arts in 2004, she has performed with several artistic groups onstage and in street productions, as an actress, Flamenco dancer, puppeteer, and fire flow dancer. Vanessa has been actively engaged in the local arts scene since moving to NL in 2014, participating in diverse artistic workshops and festivals. Currently, she is involved in theatre productions, television, dance adventures, and clown studies. Vanessa also loves to perform as a living statue in the street when the weather is nice.
Vanessa Cardoso-Whelan is a playwright, multidisciplinary artist, street performer, and clown hailing from Brazil, with a passion for contemporary theatre and body movement awareness, especially related to Flamenco dancing. Graduating in Theatre Arts in 2004, she has performed with several artistic groups onstage and in street productions, as an actress, Flamenco dancer, puppeteer, and fire flow dancer. Vanessa has been actively engaged in the local arts scene since moving to NL in 2014, participating in diverse artistic workshops and festivals. Currently, she is involved in theatre productions, television, dance adventures, and clown studies. Vanessa also loves to perform as a living statue in the street when the weather is nice.
Director - Natalia Hennelly
A graduate of the Dawson College Professional Theatre program (Montreal, 199-2001), and a BFA holder from Sir Wilfred Grenfell College (Memorial University, NL, 2005-2007), Natalia is now an actor, director and writer, working both in theatre and film. Based in St. John's, NL, Natalia runs Open Theatre Company - founded in 2010, through which she has produced and directed a number of plays including her own adaptation of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull (2013), and Sheridan's The School for Scandal (2015). Natalia took part in founding and producing, with a collective of St John's theatre companies, St John's Shorts (2016), going on to helm the festival in 2017 and 2018, as well as co-helm in 2019. She has directed and produced several works in the festival. When not working in theatre, Natalia works as a Script Supervisor for film and television, and is currently finishing one short film, written, directed and edited in 2014, and prepping two short films to be shot with her production company, Death to the Patriarchy Productions. Natalia is a Radical Feminist with a tender, loving, and open heart!
A graduate of the Dawson College Professional Theatre program (Montreal, 199-2001), and a BFA holder from Sir Wilfred Grenfell College (Memorial University, NL, 2005-2007), Natalia is now an actor, director and writer, working both in theatre and film. Based in St. John's, NL, Natalia runs Open Theatre Company - founded in 2010, through which she has produced and directed a number of plays including her own adaptation of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull (2013), and Sheridan's The School for Scandal (2015). Natalia took part in founding and producing, with a collective of St John's theatre companies, St John's Shorts (2016), going on to helm the festival in 2017 and 2018, as well as co-helm in 2019. She has directed and produced several works in the festival. When not working in theatre, Natalia works as a Script Supervisor for film and television, and is currently finishing one short film, written, directed and edited in 2014, and prepping two short films to be shot with her production company, Death to the Patriarchy Productions. Natalia is a Radical Feminist with a tender, loving, and open heart!
Performer - Heather Phillipps
Heather is honoured to be involved with such an important project. With Covid's affect on the art world, she could not be more thrilled for this opportunity. Heather has performer in various mediums throughout the years, through acting with School Zone Productions, to making her screen debut as Liz in the French production Maroni. It means the world to Heather to be trusted with the task of showing the nuances of experiencing violence in 1921. With the beautiful writing of Erika, the life-changing direction of Natalia, gorgeous costume design by Vanessa, and the effort of this incredible team, Heather assures that her gratitude for this experience is beyond measure.
Heather is honoured to be involved with such an important project. With Covid's affect on the art world, she could not be more thrilled for this opportunity. Heather has performer in various mediums throughout the years, through acting with School Zone Productions, to making her screen debut as Liz in the French production Maroni. It means the world to Heather to be trusted with the task of showing the nuances of experiencing violence in 1921. With the beautiful writing of Erika, the life-changing direction of Natalia, gorgeous costume design by Vanessa, and the effort of this incredible team, Heather assures that her gratitude for this experience is beyond measure.
Playwright - Erika Squires
Erika Squires is a multifaceted theatre artist from St John's NL. She is a student at Memorial University of Newfoundland studying English with a specialization in Theatre and Drama, and is a teaching assistant and student for the diploma in Film and Stage Technique. Erika is an acting and piano teacher at Courtney Fowler Performance Academy and is the co-Artistic Director of the new 2SLGBTQIA+theatre group, GroupHug Productions. She is so excited to be a part of the PerSIStence community!
Erika Squires is a multifaceted theatre artist from St John's NL. She is a student at Memorial University of Newfoundland studying English with a specialization in Theatre and Drama, and is a teaching assistant and student for the diploma in Film and Stage Technique. Erika is an acting and piano teacher at Courtney Fowler Performance Academy and is the co-Artistic Director of the new 2SLGBTQIA+theatre group, GroupHug Productions. She is so excited to be a part of the PerSIStence community!
Panel
Moderator - Dr. Heidi Coombs
Heidi Coombs is a historian and an education specialist with the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University. She has a PhD from the University of New Brunswick, specializing in the history of nursing with the Grenfell Mission in northern Newfoundland and Labrador. She also conducted postdoctoral research on the relationship between the Grenfell Mission and Inuit of NunatuKavut. She recently wrote the historical context section -- The Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador -- for the Faculty of Medicine's training program, "Providing Culturally Safe Health Care to Indigenous Patients in Newfoundland and Labrador." Heidi has numerous publications based on her research and has been named a Fellow of the JR Smallwood Foundation for her contributions to the field of Newfoundland and Labrador history. She also has a long history of involvement in local theatre, especially on stage with the Shakespeare by the Sea Festival. Heidi was President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Historical Society, and is a member of Persistence Theatre’s the Votes for Women 100 project Ladies Reading Room Subcommittee.
Heidi Coombs is a historian and an education specialist with the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University. She has a PhD from the University of New Brunswick, specializing in the history of nursing with the Grenfell Mission in northern Newfoundland and Labrador. She also conducted postdoctoral research on the relationship between the Grenfell Mission and Inuit of NunatuKavut. She recently wrote the historical context section -- The Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador -- for the Faculty of Medicine's training program, "Providing Culturally Safe Health Care to Indigenous Patients in Newfoundland and Labrador." Heidi has numerous publications based on her research and has been named a Fellow of the JR Smallwood Foundation for her contributions to the field of Newfoundland and Labrador history. She also has a long history of involvement in local theatre, especially on stage with the Shakespeare by the Sea Festival. Heidi was President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Historical Society, and is a member of Persistence Theatre’s the Votes for Women 100 project Ladies Reading Room Subcommittee.
Panelist - Sandra McKellar
Sandra McKellar is the Executive Director of Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault and Crisis Prevention Centre. Over the past thirty years she has gained experience as an employee and volunteer in the non-profit sector. Sandra uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed and her belief that one individual can make a difference to remain engaged in issues of interest to her – primarily those involving women and children.
Her experiences include that of Executive Director for the Gander Status of Women Council, Chairperson for the Gander Military Family Resource Centre and member of the Gander Community Advisory Committee. Prior to the move to Newfoundland and Labrador she was employed as a psychoeducational consultant for a rural/urban Board of Education. Other experiences include that of President of the Ontario Council for Children with Behavioural Difficulties and Board member of the Status of Women Council for the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Union. Sandra remained engaged in the non-profit sector.
As a parent and spouse Sandra is inspired by her family. She claims that each and every grey hair can be attributed to one of her children while her husband does his best to keep her sane. She is a people watcher and enjoys the quiet joys of life such as reading and listening to music.
Sandra McKellar is the Executive Director of Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault and Crisis Prevention Centre. Over the past thirty years she has gained experience as an employee and volunteer in the non-profit sector. Sandra uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed and her belief that one individual can make a difference to remain engaged in issues of interest to her – primarily those involving women and children.
Her experiences include that of Executive Director for the Gander Status of Women Council, Chairperson for the Gander Military Family Resource Centre and member of the Gander Community Advisory Committee. Prior to the move to Newfoundland and Labrador she was employed as a psychoeducational consultant for a rural/urban Board of Education. Other experiences include that of President of the Ontario Council for Children with Behavioural Difficulties and Board member of the Status of Women Council for the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Union. Sandra remained engaged in the non-profit sector.
As a parent and spouse Sandra is inspired by her family. She claims that each and every grey hair can be attributed to one of her children while her husband does his best to keep her sane. She is a people watcher and enjoys the quiet joys of life such as reading and listening to music.
Panelist - Sgt Chelsey Guinchard
Sergeant Chelsey Guinchard has been a dedicated member of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for the past 16 years. She is currently the supervisor for the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit of the Criminal Investigation Division. Sgt Guinchard previously spent 7 years as a patrol officer and 9 years working in the criminal investigation division. Although she worked in the Major Crime Unit, the majority of her time has been investigating and working with child physical and sexual assaults and adult sexual assaults. Sgt Guinchard has strong connections and involvement with community policing partners who share a mutual interest in combating violence against women and vulnerable populations. She is passionate about her work and hopes to help break down barriers and strengthen trust between vulnerable individuals and police. As a mother of three, Sgt Guinchard shows other female officers that a balance can be achieved between being a mother and a strong effective police officer and role model.
Sergeant Chelsey Guinchard has been a dedicated member of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for the past 16 years. She is currently the supervisor for the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit of the Criminal Investigation Division. Sgt Guinchard previously spent 7 years as a patrol officer and 9 years working in the criminal investigation division. Although she worked in the Major Crime Unit, the majority of her time has been investigating and working with child physical and sexual assaults and adult sexual assaults. Sgt Guinchard has strong connections and involvement with community policing partners who share a mutual interest in combating violence against women and vulnerable populations. She is passionate about her work and hopes to help break down barriers and strengthen trust between vulnerable individuals and police. As a mother of three, Sgt Guinchard shows other female officers that a balance can be achieved between being a mother and a strong effective police officer and role model.
Panelist - Angie Brenton
Angie is the mother of two beautiful children and a passionate employee of Iris Kirby House, working in the role of Children and Family Services Coordinator. She completed her education at Mount Saint Vincent University with a degree in Child and Youth Studies and Psychology. Her role at Iris Kirby House involves working with families who have experienced intimidate partner violence and significant trauma. Her passion is in advocacy work and she has extensive experience working with vulnerable populations, most recently with the Tommy Sexton Centre and the Canadian Mental Health Association. She strongly believes that helping women and children with or without complex needs through a non judgemental and trauma informed lens is vital in empowering women in making the decisions needed for positive change. There is still a lot of work needed to be done but by working collaboratively with community organizations, making the right connections for the women and families we serve and identifying and filling gaps in services; she is confident that there will continue to be productive progress and growth.
Angie is the mother of two beautiful children and a passionate employee of Iris Kirby House, working in the role of Children and Family Services Coordinator. She completed her education at Mount Saint Vincent University with a degree in Child and Youth Studies and Psychology. Her role at Iris Kirby House involves working with families who have experienced intimidate partner violence and significant trauma. Her passion is in advocacy work and she has extensive experience working with vulnerable populations, most recently with the Tommy Sexton Centre and the Canadian Mental Health Association. She strongly believes that helping women and children with or without complex needs through a non judgemental and trauma informed lens is vital in empowering women in making the decisions needed for positive change. There is still a lot of work needed to be done but by working collaboratively with community organizations, making the right connections for the women and families we serve and identifying and filling gaps in services; she is confident that there will continue to be productive progress and growth.
