FemFest returning to U of W

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This article was published 09/09/2019 (2230 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FemFest is returning to the Asper Centre for Theatre and Film, and a few local artists are hoping to bring more diverse voices to the stage.

FemFest 2019, put on by Sarasvàti Productions, is taking place from Sept. 14 to 21. The festival aims to celebrate women theatre artists, showcasing women directors, performers, costume artists, lifting up their contributions to the stage.

Some local creators are looking to bring more diversity to the theatre scene.

Sophie Smith-Dostmohamed, a Wolseley resident, is the assistant director on a production called Like Mother Like Daughter. The project brings together real mothers and daughters, mostly people of colour and Indigenous participants, to talk about stories in their lives. She also co-created Out From Under The Rug, a collaborative group that aims to uplift women of colour in theatre and showcase their work.

Smith-Dostmohamed said it’s important to see yourself in the art you consume.

“We find it hard to see ourselves in theatres. As a collective, we find that yes, there are a plethora of brilliant artists, but we don’t get to see them come together and create works about their own lives,” Smith-Dostmohamed said. “We think it’s one of the downfalls of modern theatre, that (people of colour) are not uplifted as often as we could be.”

Smith-Dostmohamed said she’s very thankful for Sarasvàti Productions for giving her an opportunity to be a part of the festival. She recalls when her mom would bring her to some Sarasvàti Productions performances as a child, which inspired her to pursue theatre.

FemFest also supports new female artists, showcasing the next generation of Winnipeg theatre with the Launchpad Project. Nine new theatre performers were brought together to create and perform in a play, which they’ve titled To Kill A Lizard.

Anika Dowsett, a West Broadway resident and one of the participants of the Launchpad project, said they really enjoyed the experience.

“It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Everyone’s point of view has only enhanced the show. I think because we were all relatively new, none of us (fell) into the typical theatre routine,” Dowsett said. “We’re all just looking to make a show, and support each other any way we can.”

For more information, visit sarasvati.ca