Women & Work
Tuesday September 7th - 7pm
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56 Pleasantville, 66 The Boulevard
In-person registration now closed
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 are 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 September evening, the theme is Women & Work.
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:
A NEW WORLD FOR WOMEN
Written by Sara Tilley, directed by Alix Reynolds, performed by Michaela Sheldon, and costume designed by Melanie Mooney.
We conclude in 2021 with a live panel discussion on the evening's theme:
Women & Work - a 2021 Panel Discussion
Moderated by historian and author, Dr. Margot Duley, panelists include:
Tea will served in both period-appropriate and environmentally-sustainable china cups to all.
Important COVID-19 Info:
These events are run in strict adherence to public health guidelines and regulations. The venue is large and well-ventilated. Masks may only be removed while seated - as per current guidelines, attendees will be seated in groups of 4-5 per table - please keep this in mind when deciding to register.
Accessibility:
For those with mobility impairment, 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.
Votes for Women 100:
In 2021, Votes for Women 100 commemorates and reflects upon 100 years since women in St. John’s first achieved the right to vote in municipal elections. In doing so, they became the first women in Newfoundland and Labrador to achieve this right. Learn more here: www.votesforwomen100.ca
Each month features a theme that was relevant to the struggle for women's rights in both 1921 and 2021. For our September evening, the theme is Women & Work.
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:
A NEW WORLD FOR WOMEN
Written by Sara Tilley, directed by Alix Reynolds, performed by Michaela Sheldon, and costume designed by Melanie Mooney.
We conclude in 2021 with a live panel discussion on the evening's theme:
Women & Work - a 2021 Panel Discussion
Moderated by historian and author, Dr. Margot Duley, panelists include:
- Dr. Allyson Stokes, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Memorial University
- Daphne March, Indigenous Entrepreneur
- Jessica McCormick, Communications & Research Director of NAPE
Tea will served in both period-appropriate and environmentally-sustainable china cups to all.
Important COVID-19 Info:
These events are run in strict adherence to public health guidelines and regulations. The venue is large and well-ventilated. Masks may only be removed while seated - as per current guidelines, attendees will be seated in groups of 4-5 per table - please keep this in mind when deciding to register.
Accessibility:
For those with mobility impairment, 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.
Votes for Women 100:
In 2021, Votes for Women 100 commemorates and reflects upon 100 years since women in St. John’s first achieved the right to vote in municipal elections. In doing so, they became the first women in Newfoundland and Labrador to achieve this right. Learn more here: www.votesforwomen100.ca
The Play
Playwright - Sara Tilley
Sara Tilley (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges writing, theatre, and Pochinko Clown Through Mask technique. After graduating with a BFA in Acting from York University, Sara founded feminist theatre company She Said Yes!, which she ran as Artistic Director, 2002-2016. She received the Rhonda Payne Theatre Award in 2006, celebrating women in theatre in Newfoundland and Labrador. Sara's writing spans the genres of playwriting, prose and poetry. She has written, co-written or co-created eleven plays to date, as well as two award-winning novels-- Skin Roomand DUKE (Pedlar Press, 2008 and 2015). For more information, visit saratilley.ca.
Sara Tilley (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges writing, theatre, and Pochinko Clown Through Mask technique. After graduating with a BFA in Acting from York University, Sara founded feminist theatre company She Said Yes!, which she ran as Artistic Director, 2002-2016. She received the Rhonda Payne Theatre Award in 2006, celebrating women in theatre in Newfoundland and Labrador. Sara's writing spans the genres of playwriting, prose and poetry. She has written, co-written or co-created eleven plays to date, as well as two award-winning novels-- Skin Roomand DUKE (Pedlar Press, 2008 and 2015). For more information, visit saratilley.ca.
Director - Alix Reynolds
Alix Reynolds is a director from St. John’s, currently residing in Edmonton, Alberta. A New World for Women will be Alix’s third Persistence project and she is thrilled to be back home and working with these incredible Persisters. Since completing her Masters in Directing from UVic, Alix has participated in the Edmonton Fringe festival as director, stage manager, and designer; and worked at Lunchbox theatre in Calgary as part of RBC’s Emerging Directors program. After a long pandemic, this opportunity to play at home is reinvigorating for the creative spirit, thank you to everyone who bears witness to these words.
Alix Reynolds is a director from St. John’s, currently residing in Edmonton, Alberta. A New World for Women will be Alix’s third Persistence project and she is thrilled to be back home and working with these incredible Persisters. Since completing her Masters in Directing from UVic, Alix has participated in the Edmonton Fringe festival as director, stage manager, and designer; and worked at Lunchbox theatre in Calgary as part of RBC’s Emerging Directors program. After a long pandemic, this opportunity to play at home is reinvigorating for the creative spirit, thank you to everyone who bears witness to these words.
Performer - Michaela Sheldon
Michaela Sheldon is thrilled to play Annie in A New World for Women and to be involved with Persistence Theatre's Votes for Woman 100 project. She is a St. John's based artist who graduated from the Grenfell Theatre Program in 2018 and took part in plays such as Hamlet, Agamemnon, and the radio play-theatre conversion Under Milk Wood. She has since been in some play workshops after graduating and has tiptoed into the world of TV including a principal role on the upcoming fourth season of Hudson & Rex. In the future, she is looking forward to getting back to her classical roots to tour the province as Cordelia in King Lear.
Michaela Sheldon is thrilled to play Annie in A New World for Women and to be involved with Persistence Theatre's Votes for Woman 100 project. She is a St. John's based artist who graduated from the Grenfell Theatre Program in 2018 and took part in plays such as Hamlet, Agamemnon, and the radio play-theatre conversion Under Milk Wood. She has since been in some play workshops after graduating and has tiptoed into the world of TV including a principal role on the upcoming fourth season of Hudson & Rex. In the future, she is looking forward to getting back to her classical roots to tour the province as Cordelia in King Lear.
Costume Designer - Melanie Mooney
Melanie Mooney has worked in Canada and the UK as a designer, wardrobe supervisor, stage manager, and arts administrator. Her previous productions include RCA's Brazil Square, Tangly, Seal Slippers, Men of Misfortune, Out of the Bog, as well as three seasons with Gros Morne Theatre Festival. She is a graduate of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College’s Theatre program. When she is not in the theatre, Melanie spends her spare time working in film and television and is currently the Costume Designer (NL) for Hudson and Rex.
Melanie Mooney has worked in Canada and the UK as a designer, wardrobe supervisor, stage manager, and arts administrator. Her previous productions include RCA's Brazil Square, Tangly, Seal Slippers, Men of Misfortune, Out of the Bog, as well as three seasons with Gros Morne Theatre Festival. She is a graduate of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College’s Theatre program. When she is not in the theatre, Melanie spends her spare time working in film and television and is currently the Costume Designer (NL) for Hudson and Rex.
The Panel
Moderator - Dr. Margot Duley
Dr. Margot Duley attended Memorial University, Duke University and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. She was the editor and chief contributor to " The Cross-Cultural Study of Women; an early theoretical and historical study of changes in the status of women across cultures and time periods, funded by the U.S. National Endowment of the Humanities. A historian, her publications include “Where Once Our Mothers Stood We Stand: Women’s Suffrage in Newfoundland 1890-1925”, a biography of its leader, Armine Gosling, and work on Newfoundland women in World War One. She is the Dean Emerita, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois, Springfield. She has retired home to the Rock that she loves.
Panelist - Dr. Allyson Stokes
Dr. Allyson Stokes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Memorial University specializing in the sociology of work, gender, culture, and education. Her research focuses on the organization and experience of work in the arts and culture sector, with a particular emphasis on social inequalities and post-bureaucratic work forms. Using case studies from film, television, fashion, and music, Dr. Stokes’ research examines the changing relationships between work and inequality in the 21st century, as characteristics long known to be associated with arts and culture work (like precariousness and temporary jobs) spread across the labour market. Her current research - “From Worst Kept Secrets to Me Too” - investigates the evolving dynamics of sexual harassment and violence in Canadian film and television.
Panelist - Daphne March
Daphne March is an Indigenous entrepreneur who specializes in hospitality and wellness. She owns and operates the four-star accommodation R&R House in George’s Brook, Central Newfoundland, and is also the founder of the Sha Ma Sha Centre, an arts and healing retreat project currently under development. Drawing on her Mi’kmaq heritage, Daphne organizes meditation, culinary, and outdoor experiences to help her guests reconnect with nature.
As a member of both the Board of Directors of the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Association and the Indigenous Tourism Working Group, Daphne has contributed to the development of a five-year strategy to preserve, support, and promote Indigenous culture as a tourism asset in the province. Daphne is also an advocate for stronger mental health and housing supports. She is a member of Qalipu First Nation.
Panelist - Jessica McCormick
Jessica McCormick is a Communications and Research Officer with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE), the largest union in the province. Jessica has more than a decade of experience working in the labour and social justice movements. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Oxfam Canada and has previously served on the board of the NL Federation of Labour and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Prior to her work with NAPE, Jessica was the Director of Public Affairs at FFAW-Unifor, the union representing Newfoundland and Labrador’s fish harvesters and fish processing workers, and she served as National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students, representing more than 600,000 college and university students. In May 2021, Jessica was a speaker at TEDxHarbourside Park. Her talk highlighted the precarious nature of gig economy jobs and the role unions can play in building a more just and equitable society.
