Nov. 13: Rivendell Theatre Ensemble's 'Women At War' at CLC
Experience the riveting stories of women who have served their country and returned from deployment to re-enter civilian life in the award-winning Rivendell Theatre Ensemble play "WOMEN AT WAR." A performance of this critically acclaimed production will be presented at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 in the C Wing Auditorium (Room C005) at the College of Lake County Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington Street. The event is being co-sponsored by College of Lake County Women's Center and Veterans Services and the Gurnee American Legion Post 771.
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble connected with more than over 70 Chicagoland veterans and collected 28 one-on-one interviews, resulting in "WOMEN AT WAR," crafted from diverse, rich and complex stories of women during and following military service. The play was written by Megan Carney and is directed and was co-conceived by Tara Mallen.
When "WOMEN AT WAR" was presented in Chicago in 2014, it earned rave reviews. "Highly recommended… riveting… directed with steel and heart… superbly played…," Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun Times, Nov. 9, 2014. "4 Stars… uncomfortable, thrilling and honest… an emotional cadence that can turn on a dime… feels important," Kevin Thomas, Time Out Chicago, Nov. 11, 2014.
After that successful Chicago run, CLC staff and community members who work with women and veterans thought it was an important piece of theatre that should be seen in Lake County.
"Women veterans face so many challenges that are unique to them, not only throughout their service, but also after they return home and make the difficult transition back into civilian life," said Jenny Lee, English professor and director of the CLC Women's Center. "This important production gives voice to and raises awareness about their experiences, engaging audiences in a powerful conversation about the lives of women in the military."
In conjunction with the performance, a Veterans Resource Fair will be held outside the theatre from 6-7 p.m. Following the play, a town hall-style discussion exploring the unique challenges faced by females as they navigate the American Military will be held with the cast and moderated by Meosha Thomas, U.S. Navy Veteran and founder of One Savvy Veteran.
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble is a Chicago-based company celebrating 20 years of advancing the lives of women through theatre.
Admission is free for CLC students with student ID. General public: $10 suggested donation to the CLC Women's Center. Tickets are available in the C005 lobby starting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 13. RSVP required at https://clcwaw.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact the Women's Center at (847) 543-2636 or womcen@clcillinois.edu. Parking is available in parking Lot 7, south of the Science Building construction area. Enter at the C Wing temporary door.