At a time when the role of women in the workplace and the need to balance career and family choices are again lively topics for discussion, East Stroudsburg University\u2019s Department of Theatre is presenting a pioneering play that looks at the work-life balance, Top Girls, by Caryl Churchill.<\/p>\n
The 1982 Obie-winning drama, set in Margaret Thatcher\u2019s England, explores the challenges for women of balancing career and family historically and in the modern era.\u00a0 Characters from history, literature and painting intersect with a modern businesswoman, her sister and the children caught in the melee.<\/p>\n
Curtain times for the play are 7:30 p.m. April 30 and May 1-4, and 2 p.m. May 5.\u00a0 All performances are at the Smith-McFarland Theatre of the university\u2019s Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, East Stroudsburg.\u00a0 The production is recommended for mature teens and adults because of adult language and situations.<\/p>\n
Performances will be followed by discussions on \u201cExploring The Balance – Women Pursuing Vocations and Avocations and Balancing Life Choices.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dates, topics and speakers include:<\/p>\n
Tuesday, April 30<\/strong> \u2013 Tales From the Field: Is There a Still a Glass Ceiling for Women Seeking Professional Careers? with Patricia Kennedy, J.D., Ph.D., associate professor of communication studies, with ESU students: Karima Williams, a senior from Philadelphia, Pa., and Nikole Threat, a junior from Bushkill, Pa.<\/p>\n Wednesday, May 1<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cWomen Leaders:\u00a0 Voices for Positive Change\u201d with Kelly McKenzie, instructor in the department of academic enrichment and learning, and student Abdelis Vega, a junior from Ranshaw, Pa.<\/p>\n Thursday, May 2<\/strong>\u00a0 \u2013 \u201cThe Experiences and Observations of ESU\u2019s Top Woman\u201d with ESU President Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D.<\/p>\n Friday, May 3<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cThird Wave Feminism:\u00a0 Where are We and Where are We Going?\u201d\u00a0 with Andi McClanahan, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the department of communication studies and interim director of women\u2019s studies.<\/p>\n Saturday, May 4<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cJuggling the Career\/Life Balance in 2013\u201d with ESU Alumni.<\/p>\n Sunday, May 5<\/strong>\u00a0 \u2013 “Women in India in the 1980s and the Communal Card” with Erin O’Donnell, Ph.D., assistant professor of history.<\/p>\n Yoshinori Tanokura, assistant professor of theatre, designed the sets and costumes for the production.\u00a0 Guest designer Annie Weigand created the lighting for the piece.<\/p>\n General admission is $12; $10 for senior citizens, faculty & staff with ID; $7 students with ID; and $5 for youth.<\/p>\n