Spring 2001 Events

Friday, January 26, 2001
12:00 noon, 107 Breckinridge Hall
UK Gender and Women's Studies Program Mentoring Committee
Brown Bag Series: "Negotiating UK"

Dana Nelson, Professor, English Department will talk about publishing strategies.

Monday, February 12, 2001
7:00 p.m., Singletary Center for the Arts
"The Vagina Monologues"
by Eve Ensler
and directed by Deb Shoss

The production stars Debra Hensley as playwright Eve Ensler; other performers include Kathy Stein, Rev. Kelly Flood, Cathy Rawlings and Missy Johnston. A post-play discussion will be led by Nikky Finney and Joan Callahan.

Tickets: $15 available at the Singletary Center Ticket Office.

Information is also available at http://www.vaginamonologues.com/

Wednesday, February 21, 2001
7:30 - 9:30 p.m., Young Library Auditorium
"Rice, the Book . . . the Bags"
Guests: Joan Brannon and Nikky Finney

This video is a visit with poet Nikky Finney, who in conjunction with the publication of her second book, RICE, manufactured burlap bags filled with rice to offer readers additional "sustenance". The video offers a hearty heaping of conversation, poetry and information about marketing written works. After the film, the filmmaker, Joan Brannon will answer questions about her work. Nikky Finney will also read from some of her writing and will discuss the writing process.

Co-sponsored by the African-American Studies and Research Program.

Tuesday, February 27, 2001
7:30 - 9:30 p.m., State Theater
"Seven Sisters: a Kentucky Portrait"
Guest: Patrick Donohew

Seven Sisters is a new vision of Appalachia which powerfully evokes the coming of age of seven women through their rural to urban migration. This is a story of heroism - not in a grandiose, earth-shaking way, but through small acts of sacrifice, courage and generosity. At the center of it all are seven strong-willed and colorful women - one family and the fierce bonds that hold them together.

Thursday, March 1, 2001
7:00 p.m., Singletary Center for the Arts
Reel World String Band with special guest Barbara Higbie
7:00 p.m.

President's Room Pre-concert roundtable featuring Barbara Higbie and members of the Reel World String Band, focusing on women in music. Free and open to the public.
8:00 p.m.
Recital Hall Concert: Tickets are $15, $10 for students, available at the Singletary Center Ticket Office: (859) 257-4929.

Wednesday, March 7, 2001
7:30 p.m., Center Theater, Student Center
"The Adventures of Molly Whuppie"

"The Adventures of Molly Whuppie" will be performed by Rema Keen and Sue Massek on Wednesday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center Theater of the Student Center on the University of Kentucky campus. This event is free and open to the public.

This play by Anne Shelby explores the idea that heroes come in all forms. The play is based on stories collected by folkloriest Leonard Roberts in Eastern Kentucky in the 1940's and 50's.

In "The Adventures of Molly Whuppie," Molly, along with her sisters Poll and Betts, set out to see the world. With the help of an old wise woman, the Queen herself, and ever Jack, Molly uses her wit and a bit of magic to outsmart the Giants and Ogres she encounters on her incredible journey. The stories are moved along by lively, sometimes haunting, banjo tunes.

Molly Whuppie is played by Rema Keen, a performance artist originally from Louisville, and Sue Massek of the Reel World String Band wrote the music and lyrics for this play. The play, written by Ann Shelby, weaves together traditional Appalachian stories collected by folklorist Leonard Roberts. These traditional stories are told here with a female protagonist and preserve the language and culture of Appalachian storytelling.

Wednesday, March 21, 2001: "My Feminism"
7:30 p.m., Young Library Auditorium:
Filmed interviews defining "feminism."
In conjunction with the Women Writers' Conference

In an era of anti-feminist backlash, this articulate documentary by the makers of Thank God I'm a Lesbian forcefully reminds us that the revolution continues. Powerful interviews with feminist leaders including bell hooks, Gloria Steinem, and Urvsahi Vaid are intercut with documentary sequences to engagingly explore the past and present status of the women's movement. Discussing the unique contributions of second wave feminism, they explore their racial, economic and ideological differences and shared vision of achieving equality for women. An essential component of Gender and Women's Studies curricula, My Feminism introduces feminism's key themes while exposing the cultural fears underlying lesbian baiting, backlash, and political extremism.

Wednesday, April 11, 2001: "Asking Different Questions: Women and Science"
7:30 - 9:30 p.m, Young Library Auditorium

In conjunction with Tanya Zanish-Belcher on "Women in Science and Engineering Archives"

In Canada and around the world a new scientific revolution is taking place, propelled by a new breed of feminist scientists. Challenging the traditional practices of science, these women offer a new approach to the study of nature and our place in it. This film documents how the increasing participation of women is transforming the fabric of science and technology. It also examines the ways in which science has been applied, often to the detriment of women and the environment.