International Women’s Day is this Friday, March 8. But what does that mean exactly? Well, there’s an official website with a hashtag (#BalanceforBetter), logo-branded merch, and downloadable “selfie cards” with inspiring sayings. (You will probably not be using these things, and I don’t blame you.) But this holiday isn’t just a social media ploy; it actually has a rich history dating back to 1908, when 15,000 women stormed the streets of New York demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights. In the century since, it’s been adopted by dozens of countries and recognized by the UN. So, it’s slightly more legit than, like, International Dentist’s Day, which is apparently today.
In honor of International Women’s Day, here are a few artsy happenings around town that exemplify female resilience and creativity, and provide a chance to celebrate women artists.
The Dallas Museum of Art has had its focus on women for a few months now (read more on that here). Berthe Morisot, Woman Impressionist, a survey of the underrated and overlooked French artist, is one great example of that. Women Artists in Europe: From Monarchy to Modernism is another. Both are on view at the museum, and the latter is free.
Dallas Theater Center is presenting Pulitzer Prize-winning drama The Wolves at Wyly Theatre all month. The critically acclaimed play centers around a girls’ soccer team, portraying its characters in a refreshingly raw light. The New York Times began its review of the play with the sentence, “Girl power is atomic in The Wolves,” which seems like a good sign. Anyway, there are shows Tuesday-Sunday until April 14.
Even in 2019, comedy has remained a largely male-skewed industry. It’s been a tough road for female comics to break out of the shadows – and no one knows that better than Jen Kirkman. The comedian, known for her Netflix specials and appearances on Chelsea Lately and Conan, is also a writer for the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She’s bringing her stand-up act to Hyena’s Dallas on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are only $15.
In 2017, the famed artist Jeff Koons came under fire for replicating the artwork of Ukrainian ceramicist Oksana Zhnikrup without giving her credit. This year, Dallas-based artist Keer Tanchak created an entire show at Conduit Gallery inspired by Zhnikrup’s art, while adding her own unique spin. It’s a beautiful show about women, by a woman, inspired by another woman. Read my write-up here.
She-Rock is a two-day event at BackYard on Bell in Denton celebrating excellent local musicians and benefitting Women Veterans of America – Denton (which will soon open a transition home for homeless women veterans in North Texas). On the roster are powerful femmes like M3CCA, Ursa Minor, Pearl Earl, and Sarah Jaffe. Tickets are $15 per day, or $25 for a two-day pass.
