In Friday’s print edition, the Nashville City Paper published an article on the Tennessee Women’s Theater Project.

Women command the stage in annual arts festival
By Amy Stumpfl,Friday, May 16, 2008 12:53 am
Updated: Friday, May 16, 2008 12:53 am

When Maryanna Clarke, artistic director of the Tennessee Women’s Theatre Project, sustained a serious back injury last year, she thought it might mean the end of a promising season for the fledgling theater company.

“We had just made a nice splash with Nicked & Dimed when I hurt my back,” said Clarke, who founded the company in 2005. “I was flat on my back for 10 weeks - it was just awful. Worst of all, we had already booked the theater for another show in May 2007. I knew that I was not physically able to handle a full production, but I didn’t want people to forget about us either.

Unwilling to give up her dream, Clarke began brainstorming other ways to continue on.

“I started thinking that there must be other women out there with work to share who might not have the resources to get it on stage. I sent out the call and had 50 replies almost immediately. I knew we were on to something.”

Thus the Women’s Work Festival was born. The theater festival showcased a wide range of performances, providing an unusual treat for arts enthusiasts.

“We were so pleased with the response, and knew we had to make this an annual event,” Clarke said.

This year’s celebration includes another impressive line-up of talent, including poetry and dance, music and film. Local favorite Carolyn German will be on hand to present a staged reading of her new musical Nashville - The Music City Musical. And singer-songwriters Melissa Brett, Connie Hutto and Shirley Rutland will present an evening of music.

Other highlights include an appearance by the Nashville Chinese Culture Club and a staged reading of If I Give My Heart to You, a new play by Dr. Dorothy Marcic, adjunct professor at Vanderbilt and author of Respect. The artwork of photographer and calligrapher Sue Dippold, artist Maria Faith, photographer Kim Kinsley-Herrera, and graphic designer Amy Olert will also be on display in the lobby for the run of the festival.

“It’s exciting to see so much variety,” Clarke said. “That’s one of the reasons I started the Tennessee Women’s Theatre Project. I’ve always said that if the theater holds up a mirror to society, where are all the women? We represent the majority of the population, but that’s not the case in the theater. That’s why we’re here. That’s our mission - to give voice to women through theater arts.”

What: TWTP’s Second Annual Women’s Work Festival
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. on Sundays through May 25
Where: Z. Alexander Looby Theater, 2301 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.
Cost: $5 per ticket, $25 for festival pass
Info: 681-7220, twtp.org