Women in Theatre: The ones that make it to the top

                                                    By Aarushi Thakur Rana

There was a time when the church forbade the appearance of women on stage. The theatre industry has transiently evolved, leaving behind archaic practise and embracing gender equality. Theatre has been regarded as a medium which tackles social injustice, challenges stereotypical views and instils morality. Furthermore, has operated as a catalyst for women empowerment and promoted feminism in recent years.  

During the 16 century, theatres began to embrace women and few pro modern production houses even hired women in starring roles. Despite this new ideological enlightenment, female artists still face challenges. It was commonly deemed inappropriate and unchaste for women to perform on stage. In India, the Ramlila which has been declared as one of the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO is still predominantly performed by an only male cast across the country.   

According to a survey conducted by Purple Seven in 2016, female customers account for 65% of ticket revenue, but only 39% of actors, 36% of directors and 28% of writers, of plays performed are women. 

Contrary to the statistics there are numerous examples of women who pioneered in the field of theatre, carving their own niche and continue to strive for excellence. 

It is a tough tip toe in heels, but they have made it to the top. There are many prominent women in theatre across various occupations, including acting, directing, producing, and playwrighting. Some of them have also undertaken executive roles. Here are examples of few outstanding women in theatre who are not only an inspiration to young women in theatre but to women across various fields:

Fiona Allen

Fiona is currently President of UK Theatre, Chair of the Midlands Regional Tourism Board, a Director of Women of the Year, West Midlands Growth Company, Stage One and a member of the ACE Midlands Regional Council, Creative Industries Federation Council and Midlands Engine Business Council. 

Fiona has worked in positions of both artistic and executive leadership, with previous employers including Curve Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Sydney Film Festival, and Sydney Opera House. Presently, Fiona is the Artistic Director & Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome since October 2015.

A message from her: ‘The good – and the bad- thing about a life in theatre is that the boundaries between work time and leisure time become very easily blurred.   To be successful you will need to work hard, be very focussed and forever curious. As a woman, it has absolutely been my experience that it can be more difficult to be heard, and that can be exhausting.  Try not to let this life consume you though- strive to maintain friends and hobbies outside our magical world, to provide some balance and grounding.  I wish I had worked that out much earlier in my career’.

Anuradha Kapur

Former Director of National School of Drama, a Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee (which is the highest Indian honour in performing arts). Anuradha Kapur is a theatre director and a professor. As a true feminist, her plays have been applauded for revolutionising society and bridging the gender gap.

A message from her: “What I love about theatre and theatre-making is that the very form itself is founded on dialogue. Dialogue as an exchange – spoken on stage; dialogue as an exchange in the act of making theatre. Don’t we always ask, discuss, wonder, – Shall I make this action? Shall we speak this way? Shall we try this move?  For this exchange to work we need to listen; we need to observe; we need to trust our partners and our co-performers. Then we need to modify ourselves after we have listened, and – we have start again and give it another try. To all fellow travellers in the theatre – let us energize ourselves via listening, and via trying things again and again. There is great joy in persevering!” 

Rachael Thomas 

Rachael is the Executive Director at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, UK. She was previously the Executive Director at Derby Theatre and has a 25-year career in the culture sector. Prior to this Rachael worked for ten years at Nottingham Playhouse as Head of Finance and Business Development. Her other roles have included Director of Phoenix Arts, Leicester and Director of the Merlin Theatre in Somerset.  Rachael has an MBA from the University of Bath. 

ROHINI HATTANGADY 

A Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, Rohini Hattangady is one of the most celebrated and versatile actresses in India, working for nearly three decades, on the Stage, Films and the Television. She is also to date the only Asian recipient of the coveted award given by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA); as the ‘best actress’ in a supporting role of Kasturba, in Richard Attenborough’s film ‘GANDHI’. 

These women have not only inspired the young generation who are perusing theatre but everyone who is in the quest for success. We must celebrate their success this international women’s day and every day.