Representation and How to Get It

Revolutionary Spaces and Mass NOW have partnered to present “Representation and How to Get It,” a new play about Julia Ward Howe, author of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Running from Wednesday, September 28th through Friday, September 30th at Old South Meeting House, each evening will include a presentation of the play followed by a unique post-performance program featuring some of Boston’s most celebrated civic leaders, trailblazing representatives, and award-winning artists and performers. This event is free and open to the public, made possible by the support of The Boston Foundation’s New England Women’s Club Fund.

A collaboration between Boston-based playwright Joyce Van Dyke, director Judy Braha, and performer Elaine Vaan Hogue, “Representation and How to Get It” tells the story of Ward Howe’s fight for women’s suffrage. She was also a community leader whose efforts preserved the Old South Meeting House after the congregation had moved.

On Wednesday, September 28th, the performance will be followed by panel discussion about the past, present, and future of female-identifying persons’ roles in civic life and the unfinished struggle for representation. Moderated by Revolutionary Spaces Executive Vice President of Museum Experience Anne Freeh Engel, the panel will feature Mass NOW Executive Director Sasha Goodfriend, Wilnelia Rivera, Marty Walz, and Mary-dith Tuitt.

On Thursday, September 29th, the post-performance program will include a fireside chat between Mass NOW Executive Director Sasha Goodfriend and Massachusetts State Senator Lydia Edwards, exploring representation in action.

On Friday, September 30th, the performance will be followed by a celebration in honor of women, poets, and Julia Ward Howe. This evening will feature performances from Boston poets, storytellers, and cultural changemakers, including Amanda Shea, Princess Moon, Valerie Stephens, and Krysten Hill, and music by DJ WhySham.