Gearing up for International Women’s Day centenary celebrations

The York International Women’s Week programme of activities ranges from dance parties and guided walks to theatrical productions.

Organiser Sue Lister said the week, which runs from this Saturday until Saturday, March 12, will include a Forum Theatre production at 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 8, and Wednesday, March 9, at Theatre Studio 1, York St John University.

She said the Real People Theatre had worked with seven women over the past three months on the production, improvising scenes dealing with homelessness, learning disability, mental health, care homes, homophobia, refugees and assisted dying.

Sue said: “If you have ever felt powerless in the face of any of these issues, now is your chance to put things right. The Real People Theatre will tailor-make scenes to act as a springboard in the work of groups and organisations dealing with these and similar issues.

“Other performances include Ibsen’s Ghosts by the York Settlement Players at the Theatre Royal, and a new version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest with Prospera as the main female protagonist is on at City Screen.”

She said Baroness Afshar, a professor at the University of York, would comparing the participation in politics of Iranian and British women at Kings Manor, and Angela Shepherd would be speaking about ‘Ten Easy Ways for Women to be More Healthy’ at Clifton Parish Church.

“There is an exciting Women’s Hafla Dance Party at the Priory Street Centre or you can Dance Your Inner Fire with Karen Michaelsen at the Heworth Church Hall.

“If you prefer gentler exercise why not join the guided walks from Museum Gardens, one on Women in York History and one on Literary Women in York which sound fascinating. For people wanting to wander in the woods, keep your eye open for the Hagg Wood walk in Dunnington.”

She said full details were available at yorkwomen.org.uk, but copies of the programme were also available in all libraries and community centres and at city-centre outlets.