Women's History Month Ends With a Flipped Script
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To conclude her month of activities for Women’s History Month, Tatiana (Alex Smith) has created a special performance titled Women Flip the Script Monologues. In case you haven’t heard of her (what have you been doing!?), Tatiana is an active member of the Beijing literary and arts community, who also runs her own podcast, “Hopelessly Tatiana” (hopelesslytatiana.com).
So what actually is Women Flip the Script Monologues?
Well, it is a one night performance of an all-woman cast performing traditionally male-led monologues. There will be a mix of contemporary and classic (think Hamlet and Othello etc.) monologues that range from tragedy to comedy.
There will be 21 monologues in total as well as a narrator, to total a diverse cast of 22 talented Beijinger women. Tatiana will both be performing in and directing the performance which is bound to be a very fun and unique night celebrating women. In line with this, as Tatiana says, “the best way to celebrate women is to protect them”, so proceeds from the show will be donated to Project A, a non-profit organization that works with women who have been in abusive relationships.
The cast gather to swap ideas during a rehearsal
I talked with Tatiana in more detail ahead of the performance to learn about the project.
First of all, where did the idea for Flip the Script come from?A
I really wanted to do something different for Women's History Month. I have always been enamored with Iago characters from Othello and find it annoying that there is no way I could ever play him in an actual production. I realized I wasn't the only person who felt that way about other characters. And the rest is history.Q
Is this your first time putting something like this together, or have you done similar projects before?A
This is the first time I've tried to weave several plays into one narrative. No lie, it was rather complicated. However, it was fun to create. It also helps to have people around that support the random sparks of perceived insanity that spring to mind because when those sparks are nurtured- who knows what will be created?
Rehearsing on the stage at UMU
What are you hoping to achieve with this event?A
My main goal is for everyone to have fun! I'm hoping the cast has fun channeling a character they never thought they'd perform on stage. I hope the audience enjoys all the work the cast has put into their performances. And I hope that we can raise more money and awareness for Project A.Q
Why did you decide on Project A as the charity this event will support?A
People who experience domestic violence don't always get the treatment and support they need, whether it's because of the feelings of shame, the public stigma, or the high cost of treatment. I believe any organization that is trying to provide resources for people processing any trauma should receive as much support and recognition as possible.
Rehearsing on stage at UMU
You've already done a whole month of events for Black History Month and this event will conclude your month of events for Women's History Month. Do you have any future events planned for after this?A
Yes. It has been a jam-packed last few months. I'm going to take a break from the calendars, but the events and my podcast episodes will continue. I already have several ideas in the works, so many people want to express themselves creatively. They want a place and a way to show other sides of who they are. A goal of Hopelessly Tatiana is to bring as much of that to life as possible. So yes, there will definitely be more events.Q
And lastly, why did you decide to create the Hopelessly Tatiana podcast and community?A
Like so many people, I have felt unwelcome in spaces where I wanted to be included. I let that feeling of inadequacy and other people dictate my presence for a long while. Then one day, I just decided that if people weren't going to make space for me, I'd create my own and welcome other people to join me. The Hopelessly Tatiana community has grown from that mental space, and I could not be more grateful. If you want to participate in anything or just want to have your voice heard, feel free to join the Hopelessly Tatiana community and reach out. We all want the same thing: to be heard, seen, and respected.
Women Flip the Script Monologues will take place at 8pm on Mar 31 at UMU. Tickets are RMB 85 and proceeds will be donated to Project A. Scan the QR code on the poster to purchase tickets.
UMU 尤木 俱乐部
South Gate of Ritan Park, Yabao Lu Chaoyang District
朝阳区日坛公园雅宝路（日坛公园南门东侧）
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Images: Kabita, Shadow Song, Tatiana (Alex Smith), Unsplash Markus Winkler
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