Impact Theatre presents: What Every Girl Should Know

In 1914, four teen girls are thrown together in a New York reformatory. Within the walls of their small room, together they discover their sexuality and personal power as they reveal the horrifying events that led each to that dormitory room. Developing rituals to connect with an unorthodox patron saint, Anne, Joan, Theresa, and Lucy open up an exciting and dangerous realm in which they take on new identities and exact revenge fantasies—while back in their room, a revelation pushes them toward real-life rebellion.

The play’s world premiere received 4.5 out of 5 stars in IndyWeek, which called it “sparkling... Byrne reminds us that there’s danger when women are denied fundamental control over their own bodies. One century later, the continuing need for that reminder is evident all around us.”

Impact’s production is helmed by Tracy Ward, a director with many impressive Bay Area credits, including the world premiere of the Steinberg and Glickman Award–winning Hunter Gatherers. The celebrated choreographer Erika Chong Shuch, showered with praise for her work on Cal Shakes' 2012 production of The Tempest, designed the dances.

Featuring Arisa Bega, Abby Edber, Carlye Pollack, and Elissa Beth Stebbins

Impact Theatre's web site:

http://impacttheatre.com/season/index.php

Meet for pizza at 6:45pm before the show.

Reviews

"CLEVER, PROVOCATIVE...Director Tracy Ward stages it with a cagey, forceful momentum that draws us in and seamlessly incorporates Erika Chong Shuch's sensuously explosive choreography... plentiful delight in the performances... an engaging ride."—SF Chronicle

"THRILLING... one of Impact’s most dramatically satisfying productions yet... Bega, Edber, Pollack and especially Stebbins give powerful performances that only grow in intensity."—Theater Dogs

"POWERFUL...All four of the cast members are remarkable, creating memorable and believable characters, and keeping them consistent, even as they adapt to changes that come at them. Director Tracy Ward has made the intimate space of the LaVal's subterranean theater even more intimate by drawing some of the action out into the audience area. And heightening this is the work of choreographer Erika Chong Shuch, who creates intricate movement that makes the show even more captivating."—Contra Costa Times/SJ Merc

"INCREDIBLY RELEVANT...Bega, Edber, Pollack and Stebbins work together fantastically. The acting is so well-balanced that not one character outshines another, each adding a slightly different tone to the story unraveling onstage."—Daily Cal

“Monica Byrne...has masterfully drawn a smart, funny, air-tight play and, from the first lines, we feel we are in the safe hands of an exceptionally talented writer.” —NYTheatre.com